§ 18. Mr. Evelyn Walkdenasked the Minister of Labour the physical or medical causes of the discharge of Eddie Phillips from the Royal Air Force; whether he is aware that this unfit ex-airman is now engaged in strenuous training for a championship fight on 16th March; and, so as to remove any misgiving in the public mind, will he ensure that this man's services are better utilised in some other form of military service?
§ Mr. BevinI am informed that this man was discharged from the Royal Air Force on 30th May, 1941, as physically unfit for further Air Force service, and I understand that it is not the practice to disclose medical particulars of the reasons for discharge. I have no information as to his present activities. As I stated in the House on 9th December last in reply to the hon. Member for Bassetlaw (Mr. Bellenger), I do not propose to call up again for service men who have been discharged during the present war on medical grounds.
§ Mr. WalkdenIs there not a weak link in these Royal Air Force medical tribunals which discharge a boxer who appears to be as physically fit as a Commando, while at the other end recruits are retained in the Service who are disabled, deformed, and partially blind, but who appear to do a useful job of work and do it with distinction?
§ Mr. BevinObviously, the medical boards which discharge men from the Services are not under my jurisdiction. I think this question should be addressed to the Secretary of State for Air.
§ Mr. ShinwellWill the Minister see to it that this man is not allowed to go into the ring if he is medically unfit?