HC Deb 10 March 1942 vol 378 cc910-1
18. Mr. Touche

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he has completed his inquiries into the case of Gunner J. Cordery, No. 1123700, of the Royal Artillery, who, on producing a civilian medical certificate that he was suffering from hernia, was ordered by the medical officer not to wear his truss and was told that he was quite fit and put on work for which he was physically unsuited, with the result that he incurred hernia enlargement; and whether he has any statement to make thereon?

Mr. Sandys

I have made inquiries and am informed that the reason why the medical officer instructed Gunner Cordery to remove his truss was solely with a view to the strengthening of the abdominal muscles.

Mr. Touche

Can my hon. Friend say why this man was told that he was perfectly fit and was put on to work for which he was not suited?

Mr. Sandys

I understand that the work he was given was in the nature of physical training to strengthen his muscles. As a matter of fact he has now had an operation, after which he was passed A1.

Mr. Touche

But is my hon. Friend aware that two days after this man was put on to this work he had to go into hospital for an operation?

Mr. Sandys

Yes, Sir, but it was as a result of the operation that he was passed A1

Mr. Touche

Has any endeavour been made to re-grade this man, or was he just passed A1?

Mr. Sandys

If my hon. Friend disputes that, I will certainly look into it again.

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