§ 13. Rear-Admiral Beamishasked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that men are being passed into the Army who, on being boarded, are not questioned concerning illness of a neurotic or psychological nature in accordance with the recommendations of the report by the conference under Lord Horder, which also urges careful reporting upon the newly-entered men while under training; and will he bring these points to the attention of training centres concerned?
§ Mr. E. BrownThe instructions issued to medical boards with regard to the estimation of a man's nervous stability provide for inquiry to be made into the man's personal and family history of nervous or mental illness. I have no information to suggest that these instructions are not being carried out, but if my hon. and gallant Friend has any particular case in mind, I shall be glad to make inquiries. Lord Horder has visited a number of the medical boards in order to satisfy himself that the examination is of such a nature as to prevent potential shell-shock cases from being passed fit for service in the armed Forces, and I am glad to inform my hon. and gallant Friend that Lord Horder expressed himself as being entirely satisfied.
§ Rear-Admiral BeamishWill my right hon. Friend do all he can to inform the Secretary of State for War about the latter part of the Question, because this Question was handed to his Ministry?
§ Mr. BrownI will certainly do that, because this Question has reference not only to the Minister of Labour, but to 2227 the Secretary of State for War, the Minister of Pensions, and the Exchequer.
§ Commander Locker-LampsonDoes not the right hon. Gentleman think that Herr Hitler is a suitable case?