§ 22. Sir F. Fremantleasked the Secretary of State for War what percentage of cases invalided from the British Expeditionary Force to this country were suffering from gastro-duodenal disease; and whether strict instructions will be given to recruiting boards to reject men with a history of organic dyspepsia and save the loss and inefficiency caused thereby to the Army?
§ Captain MargessonThe percentage of patients suffering from gastro-duodenal disease among hospital cases invalided from the British Expeditionary Force was 11.76. As regards the second part of the Question, strict instructions on the point have already been given to recruiting medical boards.
§ Sir F. FremantleIs my right hon. and gallant Friend aware that these instructions are not very effective, and that these men are a very great cause of trouble, lapse of morality and inefficiency in the Army? Is it not a great waste of Army effort, and should not an effort be made to bring the facts home to recruiting boards?
§ Captain MargessonI will press the matter in that direction.
§ Mr. StephenWill the Minister see that, in cases where men are weeded out, pensions will be given?
§ Captain MargessonThat is a matter for the Ministry of Pensions.