HC Deb 29 June 1949 vol 466 cc1283-4
43. Mr. Sparks

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty what was the number of personnel discharged from the Navy suffering from tuberculosis in 1947 and subsequent years; and whether such discharged personnel receive X-ray examinations at the time their medical unfitness for further service is determined.

Mr. Dugdale

As the answer to the first part of the Question contains a number of figures I will, with permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT. With regard to the second part of the Question, all who are under treatment for tuberculosis are given progressive X-ray examinations prior to the decision to invalid them.

Mr. Sparks

Would my right hon. Friend say whether naval personnel may at their own request receive an X-ray examination at such time as they suspect that they may be affected by this disease?

Mr. Dugdale

They do; they are always examined.

Mr. Sparks

At their own request?

Mr. Dugdale

Yes, they could be examined at their own request now.

Mr. Awbery

Is my right hon. Friend aware that there are men being discharged without an X-ray examination at present who afterwards discover that they are suffering from T.B.? If they make a claim, will he accept liability?

Mr. Dugdale

That is quite another question. We should have to consider individual cases.

Following is the answer:

— 1947
Pulmonary Non-Pulmonary Total
Male … 1,436 57 1,493
Female … 65 13 78
Total … 1,501 70 1,571
— 1948
Male … 971 63 1,034
Female … 34 2 36
Total … 1,005 65 1,070
— 1949 (up to 31st May)
Male … 346 15 361
Female … 5 1 6
Total … 351 16 367

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