§ 62. Mr. Frankelasked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that before Private A. L. Flynn, T13044165, Auxiliary Military Pioneer Corps, was examined and passed Grade 2, he had been for 12 months in a mental home, and was still under observation while in civilian employment; that after four and a-half months of Army life he has had to be sent back to the mental home; whether he will have inquiries made as to how this boy was passed Grade 2; and whether, in the circumstances, his widowed mother is entitled to any allowance in respect of her son?
§ The Joint Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Labour (Mr. Assheton)My right hon. Friend is making inquiries in conjunction with his right hon. Friends the Secretary of State for War and the Minister of Pensions and will communicate with the hon. Member.
§ Dr. Edith SummerskillCan the Minister say why no examination was made of the mental condition of the recruit, and whether there is a rule that doctors with special knowledge of mental diseases should sit on the medical board?
§ Mr. Assheton1 cannot accept exactly what the hon. Lady has said, but, at any rate, I think that that is another Question, which must be put upon the Paper.
§ Sir Henry Morris-JonesCould the hon. Gentleman tell the House whether the Ministry of Labour have the responsibility in regard to these medical boards, in view of the fact that there is some doubt in the matter?