18. Mr. Vaneasked The Secretary of State for War on what date 3598948 Signalman T. Wilson was found medically unfit for military service; on what date he embarked for the Far East; on what date and at what port he was disembarked for return to the United Kingdom; and what is the estimated cost to the public of this wasted journey.
§ Mr. StracheySignalman Wilson was seen by a psychiatrist on 27th September and recommended for a medical board with a view to discharge. He was, however, not medically boarded before his unit sailed. He embarked for the Far East on 2nd October. Instructions have been sent that he should not disembark in Korea but should return to the United Kingdom with his ship. The cost of the journey is approximately £100.
Mr. VaneIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that when this Reservist was recalled he was not examined by the doctor individually, but just cursorily with three others at 1.30 a.m., and then posted to a unit? Can the right hon. Gentleman give an assurance that Reservists are medically examined properly and when found unfit are not put on ships destined for theatres of operation?
§ Mr. StracheyNo doubt this man ought to have been medically boarded, and we are inquiring strictly into how it occurred that he was not.