§ 22. Major Procterasked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that militiamen from the Accrington Parliamentary Division have to travel to Blackburn for their medical examination and pay their own fares; and whether he will issue instructions that militiamen will have these expenses refunded or, alternatively, will permit these men to be examined in Accrington?
§ Mr. E. BrownI understand that the distance involved is less than six miles, and in these circumstances fares are not paid. The volume of work is not sufficient to justify the setting up of an additional board at Accrington.
§ Major ProcterIs my right hon. Friend aware that these men have to pay from 6d. to Is. Id. to get to their destination to be examined, and considering the smallness of the amount— it is large to the individual but not to the country— does he not consider that he might make a grant to pay the fares in necessitous cases?
§ Mr. BurkeWould the right hon. Gentleman keep in mind that terribly low wages are being paid in North-East Lancashire and that these people cannot possibly afford to pay 6d. twice or thrice a week?
44. Mr. De la Bèereasked the Minister of Health whether, in connection with the calling up of militiamen, any use will be made of the data collected at their 1493 initial medical examination to ascertain the physical state of this unselected sample of the population?
§ The Minister of Health (Mr. Elliot)Yes, Sir. As my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour stated in reply to a question on the 12th instant, we hope that these data will supply valuable information as to the health and physique of men falling within the age group concerned.