§ 67. Mr. Noel-Bakerasked the Minister of Labour whether his attention has been called to the dismissal by his employers of Mr. Eric Cockshott, of 3, Ashenhurst Avenue, Newsome, Huddersfield, who is 20 years of age, on Tuesday, 13th June last, in circumstances which suggest that the dismissal was due to his liability to military service?
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydI have no information as to the circumstances of this particular case, and am making inquiry.
§ Mr. R. C. MorrisonIn view of the fact that 10 days ago I asked a question about a similar case and the hon. Member gave a similar answer, may I ask how long it takes to make inquiries into these matters?
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydIt, obviously, takes a little time. The hon. Member should receive my letter this evening, and he will find that the arguments he advanced were not at all justified.
§ 68. Mr. G. Macdonaldasked the Minister of Labour whether the same standard of physical fitness was applied in the medical tests of the militiamen as is done for recruits for the Regular Forces?
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydNo, Sir; the medical examinations for the Regular Forces have in view the needs of particular units, whilst the examination of militiamen is of a more general character.
§ Mr. MacdonaldIs that the reason why so large a percentage have been passed whereas the failure in the recruits for the Regular Forces is over 20 per cent.? In this case it is only 2 per cent.
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydA very high standard is required. There are five doctors, and the results show the very high standard of fitness in this age group.
§ Mr. StephenDoes the Minister realise that men may be passed in a very perfunctory examination and denied pensions subsequently?
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydIt is not a perfunctory examination at all.
§ Mr. StephenIs the hon. Member aware that he said the Medical Board take only five minutes per man; and what kind of an examination is that?