§ 29. Mr. Lewisasked the First Lord of the Admiralty how it has happened that an ordinary seaman, whose name has been given to him, was passed as medically fit for service in the Navy, although he can only follow a sedentary occupation owing to dropped arches of 761 the instep; and why his Department refuse to rectify this blunder by agreeing to this man's discharge from the Navy.
Mr. AlexanderThis man was found fit for service by a medical board set up under the National Service Acts. He has recently been examined and been found fit for sedentary duties on which he is employed. Men with foot defects are accepted for certain duties in the Navy, and I regret I cannot sanction his discharge from the Navy on medical grounds.
§ Mr. LewisDo I understand that the Minister has so lowered the standard of physical fitness required for the Royal Navy, that he will now accept men who can only do sedentary work?
Mr. AlexanderNo, Sir. The actual length of service of this man is quite considerable, and he is doing most useful work on duties which I cannot specify.