HC Deb 01 June 1943 vol 390 cc4-5
8. Mr. E. P.Smith

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the fact that many members of the Home Guard are elderly and are expected to undergo considerable strain during training and exercises, he will consider instituting some form of medical examination to ascertain their physical fitness for their tasks?

Sir J. Grigg

A Home Guard may be discharged if he himself or his commander consider that he is unfit on grounds of health to carry out his duties and if this is confirmed by a medical examination. A man directed into the Home Guard by the Ministry of Labour may appeal against the direction on medical grounds. He too is medically examined before a decision is taken. In view of these arrangements it is, I think, unnecessary for all Home Guards to undergo a medical examination.

Mr. Smith

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that a number of elderly members of the Home Guard have suffered from severe overstrain and some have even died from overstrain, and will he tell the House why recruits to the National Fire Service have to undergo a stringent medical examination before enrolment, while it is presumed that a Home Guard is fit for his duties?

Sir J. Grigg

Perhaps the hon. Gentleman will give me specific cases of Home Guards who have died because of their exposure to very exhausting exercises.

Sir Herbert Williams

Surely my right hon. Friend has not forgotten the death in Palace Yard of a former Member of this House, Mr. Pat Munro?

Mr. Thorne

Are these Home Guards individually inspected, or are a great number put into one room and medically inspected at one and the same time?