§ 21. Mr. Granville Sharpasked the Minister of Labour to what extent the increase in the number of men estimated as being rejected for National Service during 1949 on medical ground is due to a raising of the medical standards required; and in what ways the standards are being raised.
§ Mr. IsaacsThere has been no general raising of the medical standards, but a revised system of medical classification, known as the Pulheems system, which was introduced in June, 1948, has resulted in a more accurate assessment of a man's physical and mental fitness for service. Certain improvements in the methods of medical examination were also introduced towards the end of 1948. The effect of these changes cannot yet be fully assessed, but the latest available figures show a slight increase in the proportion of men rejected as unfit for service.
§ Mr. IsaacsYes, Sir. There are two major changes. There is the use of mass radiography, which has made it possible to check slight cases of tuberculosis. The other change relates to the examination of ear troubles. The examination has been more intensive, not with a view to increasing the standard of fitness required, but to prevent men from being called who ought not to be called.
§ Mr. Cecil PooleIs my right hon. Friend aware that what is happening now is that men who, for instance, have defective vision in one eye, but who have all the other necessary qualifications to render good service under the National Service scheme, and who desire to render it, are being excluded, whilst those who have merely brawn and no ability are being passed into service?
§ Mr. IsaacsNo, Sir. I cannot accept that as being a statement of the position. The facts further show that at the moment the percentage of rejections is 15.9, against 13.5. This is mainly due to the innovations I have mentioned.