§ 32 Rear-Admiral Sir Murray Sueterasked the First Lord of the Admiralty (1) whether there is any difference in the method and severity of the medical examination and test of candidates for entry into the naval air service and into the Royal Air Force;
(2) whether a board of medical specialists exists to assist in examining candidates for entry into the naval air service, as is the case in the Royal Air Force;
(3) whether surgeon-captains and surgeon-commanders detailed for examining candidates for the naval air service have any special qualifications for this work; and do they consult at any time their opposite numbers in the Royal Air Force with a view to reducing air accidents by unsuitable candidates to a minimum?
Mr. AlexanderThere is no difference between the method and severity of the medical examination for entry for naval flying duties and that for flying duties with the R.A.F. Prior to appointment to medical boards all medical officers undergo a special course of instruction in the medical examination for fitness for flying. There is a close liaison between the medical department of the R.A.F. and R.N. regarding the medical standards and methods of examination of candidates. Medical boards receive instructions as necessary. In cases of doubt regarding the medical fitness of a candidate for naval flying duties, the case is referred to a civil or Service specialist.
§ Mr. Rhys DaviesIn view of the fact that a large proportion of these young men are under the National Health Insurance Scheme, would not the information of the approved societies considerably help the medical board when dealing with their cases?
Mr. AlexanderI will have the point looked at, but I feel sure that, in view of the very strenuous duties in which these people are engaged, the House would wish them to have a special examination.