HC Deb 12 June 1945 vol 411 cc1451-2
41. Mr. Sorensen

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will now state, approximately, how many men have been discharged from the Army suffering from psycho-neurosis and tuberculosis, respectively; and how many of these are receiving indoor treatment.

Sir J. Griģģ

In 1943 and 1944 a total of 7,621 other ranks were discharged from the Army suffering from tuberculosis and 42,480 suffering from psychiatric disorders. It has not yet been possible to extract from the records the figures for earlier years or for officers. Once they have left the Army they leave the charge of the Army medical authorities and I have no figures to provide an answer to the last part of the hon. Member's Question.

Mr. Sorensen

Does not the right hon. Gentleman feel that these unfortunate men should continue to have the oversight and treatment of the Army, and is he satisfied that this type of patient is getting all the attention that can possibly be secured?

Sir J. Griģģ

As regards tuberculosis, the recent arrangement I made ensured that. As regards psychiatric disorders, the Army is doing its part pretty well. Hon. Members ought not to forget that there is a large section of opinion which thinks that psychiatric is capable of a rather ruder translation.

Mr. Sorensen

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise that his statement leaves an unfortunate impression with regard to a large number of these unfortunate sufferers?

Sir J. Griģģ

I should be sorry to create an unfortunate impression. It is an indication that hon. Members should not press an extreme case, but should be satisfied with the golden mean which the War Office always endeavours to pursue.