HC Deb 31 October 1939 vol 352 cc1726-7
25. Mr. Stephen

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the medical certificates of men for entry into the Army will be accepted subsequently as showing their fitness and freedom from disability in all cases where such men are afterwards discharged from the Army on account of disability contracted during service and are making claims for pensions?

The Minister of Pensions (Sir Walter Womersley)

I have been asked by my right hon. Friend to reply. The report of a medical examination showing that no disability was found at the time of enlistment will naturally carry great weight in the event of a subsequent claim to disability pension, but I could not give an assurance in the wide terms desired by the hon. Member, which would involve the exclusion of all other evidence, however well founded.

Mr. Stephen

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that men are being passed into the Army as fit and afterwards are refused pensions when they break down?

Sir W. Womersley

If my hon. Friend is referring to the last war, I am well aware of it and when I am taking a special case into review I can assure my hon. Friend that I do take into account the fact that a man was passed fit when he enlisted.

Mr. Stephen

But is the hon. Gentleman aware that in the present war a good many men have been passed by silly medical officers and that the Army is caused much inconvenience, and the men are suffering, because of these imperfect examinations?

Sir W. Womersley

I am aware that some men have been passed by a medical officer in their own area and then have been refused when they have gone before the board, but I am not aware of the sweeping statement made by my hon. Friend.

Sir Percy Harris

Is this matter entirely within the hon. Gentleman's personal judgment? Is he not guided by some rules or regulations of his Department?

Sir W. Womersley

I am guided entirely by the Royal Warrant of 1919, and I am advised by my expert medical advisers. If there is difference of opinion on a medical matter I can call in an independent medical specialist nominated by the Royal College of Physicians or the Royal College of Surgeons.