HC Deb 21 January 1941 vol 368 cc14-5
38. Miss Ward

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the fact that Private Anderson, of the Durham Light Infantry, who had no medical examination before proceeding to France, and whose widow has been refused a pension on the grounds that the illness from which he died was one from which he suffered prior to his present war service, he will give an assurance that all men will be properly examined before being sent abroad in order that cases of this kind shall not recur?

Captain Margesson

As has been explained to the hon. Lady in the course of correspondence relating to this case, although there is no record that Private Anderson was medically examined before proceeding to France, it would not be fair to assume that the instructions relating to the medical examination of reservists were not, in fact, observed in this case. The regulations require that every officer and soldier ordered to proceed abroad shall be examined by a medical officer in order to determine whether he is fit to go.

Miss Ward

Is my right hon. and gallant Friend aware that a pension has been refused in this case, and in view of the fact that there is doubt whether there was a medical examination, would it not be fair to give the widow the benefit of the doubt?

Captain Margesson

My hon. Friend will recognise that that is a question which should be addressed to the Minister of Pensions. The War Office cannot grant a pension in this case. I was asked whether the man was medically examined and whether it was a rule that a soldier should be examined, and to that I have answered, "Yes."

Miss Ward

Is my right hon. and gallant Friend aware that the Minister of Pensions has refused the pension and that I asked the War Office whether they would put forward the case to the Minister of Pensions as I have explained it and see whether there is a record of an examination?