HC Deb 07 July 1948 vol 453 cc347-9
9. Sir David Robertson

asked the Secretary of State for Air why the late 1876436 L.A.C. Gaylon was discharged from the Royal Air Force instead of being invalided or treated in the Service, when the medical authorities suspected he was suffering from cancer, the disease from which he has since died.

Mr. A. Henderson

I have made a careful inquiry into this case and I find that there was no evidence, at the time of his release, that this airman was in fact suffering from cancer. I regret very much that the hon. Gentleman was incorrectly informed, owing to a misunderstanding in my Department, that the Air Ministry medical authorities suspected he had cancer.

Sir D. Robertson

Is it not a fact that this man's illness first became apparent during his service, that he spent two long periods in hospital, and that he was discharged when it must have been known that he was seriously ill, because he died of cancer a few months afterwards?

Mr. Henderson

The information that has been given to me by my medical authorities is to the effect that this airman had apparently completely recovered from his operation and was in fact fit and well when he became due for release in May of last year. I am afraid that I can only act upon the evidence that has been supplied to me.

Sir D. Robertson

While I accept the explanation, the statement which the right hon. and learned Gentleman has just made is entirely contrary to the contents of a letter which he himself referred to, and which I received.

Mr. Henderson

Yes, Sir. I have already expressed my regret to the hon. Gentleman that that letter was incorrectly phrased.

Dr. Segal

Can my right hon. and learned Friend urge on his medical authorities not to precipitate the invaliding out of the Service of men who may appear to be seriously ill and who may possibly be suffering from cancer?

Mr. Henderson

I should be very sorry to think that the medical authorities of my Department were in fact doing that. In this particular case, I can only repeat that they have reported to me that in May of last year they were satisfied that the airman, in their opinion, was completely fit.

Mr. Gallacher

Will not the Minister get the Government to give fresh consideration to the treatment of men who are suffering from cancer and who are put out of the Service. Will he see that they are either maintained in hospital in the Service, or in hospital when they come out of the Service, and are not thrown out and left to their own resources after they have given service?

Mr. Henderson

I am not prepared to accept the suggestion that these unfortunate men are just thrown out. If any particular case is drawn to my attention which is contrary to what I believe to be the policy, I will gladly make investigation.

Sir D. Robertson

Owing to the unsatisfactory state revealed by this Question, I beg to give notice that I will raise the matter on the Adjournment.