HC Deb 26 June 1941 vol 372 cc1077-8
1. Mr. Mathers

asked the Minister of Labour whether men called up and medically examined, but who have had their posting to the Armed Forces deferred for a period, will be given a further medical examination before having to report for service?

The Minister of Labour (Mr. Ernest Bevin)

I have given consideration to this question. If re-examination after a specified period were to be prescribed, it would not be administratively practicable to confine it to men about to be called up, and a great amount of trouble and expense would be caused to no purpose. I propose, therefore, to arrange for men who have been medically examined to be informed that they should let the Ministry know if subsequently they think there has been any deterioration in their physical condition, so that a further medical examination may be held in such cases. This arrangement will cover cases that would not be included in a system of automatic re-examination after a fixed period.

Mr. Mathers

Has my right lion. Friend been in touch with the Ministry of Pensions and the Army authorities to safeguard these Departments against the possibility of men being called up who, unknown to themselves, have become unlit? As the right hon. Gentleman knows, the question relates to the opportunity provided for men who are called up to make a further application for postponement on grounds of hardship. How does the Minister propose to provide for them?

Mr. Bevin

I cannot add anything to the answer I have given. I have given careful consideration to the matter, but administratively it is as far as I can go in making it a workable arrangement. My Department is in close collaboration with the others concerned.

Mr. Kirkwood

If particular cases are submitted to my right hon. Friend, will he be prepared to go into them?

Mr. Bevin

That, quite clearly, is contained in my answer.