HC Deb 12 July 1949 vol 467 cc191-2
21. Mr. Renton

asked the Secretary of State for War which medical categories qualify soldiers for service at Hong Kong.

Mr. Shinwell

The fitness of soldiers for service overseas is assessed under the "Pulheems" system of medical classification which has replaced the former medical categories.

Mr. Renton

Would the right hon. Gentleman kindly answer the Question? Even under his new system, there must be some kind of description which can be given and may we have that description?

Mr. Shinwell

The description is all embodied in the term "Pulheems." It is rather complicated, but if the hon. Gentleman is anxious to have a full description and a complete definition of the words represented by the initials contained in the word "Pulheems," I will have it inserted in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Mr. Hogg

Surely, all we want to know is how physically fit a man has to be before he goes to Hong Kong?

Mr. Shinwell

In order to ascertain whether a man is physically fit, he has to undergo several tests, all of which are contained in the medical classification embodied in the term "Pulheems."

Mr. Frank Byers

Is it not true that the term "Pulheems" means that there are certain categories of the establishment? Are we to take it from the Minister that there are certain categories which mean that men can be sent to the Far East, and certain others which mean that they cannot? May we know which they are?

Mr. Shinwell

Perhaps, in order to satisfy the natural curiosity of hon. Members, I had better explain what the word "Pulheems" means. It starts, as is obvious, with P for physical capacity; U is for upper limbs; L for locomotion; H for hearing; EE for eyesight; M for mental capacity; and S for emotional stability. If a soldier passes this categorical test, he is sent to the Far East.

Mr. Emrys Hughes

Would the problem not be solved by allowing only volunteers to go to Hong Kong?

Mr. Shinwell

If the hon. Member wishes to volunteer himself. I will consider it.

Colonel Gomme-Duncan

Can the right hon. Gentleman say what comes out at the end of this? Is it a soldier, or what?

Mr. Shinwell

It is obvious what comes out at the end. There comes out at the end a person who emerges having satisfied the full medical requirements of the Army.

Mr. Renton

Will the Secretary of State ask his right hon. Friends voluntarily to undergo this test?

Mr. Shinwell

This is really not a matter for me to consider, though if hon. Members generally wish to undergo this test, I will see what I can do.