§ 42. Mr. N. Macphersonasked the Minister of Labour why, in a case of which particulars have been sent to him, 1748 a young man's call-up has been twice deferred for periods of three months for a further examination; and whether he will in future give a definite decision as to whether exemption should or should not be granted on medical grounds within three months of the original examination, except in cases of temporary injury.
Mr. LeeI have already written to the hon. Member about this case. On the first occasion on which the young man was referred to a consultant, the reply disclosed the existence of an abnormal condition which might indicate unfitness for service, the nature of which could not, however, be determined without further investigation. On the second occasion, the abnormal condition was less prominent but had not disappeared. The medical board deferred grading for a second period of three months, because it seemed possible that the young man might then be found fit for service.
In a case of this kind I do not think it unreasonable to defer grading for up to six months, but I propose to make sure that it is not deferred for longer than this except with the consent of the young man concerned.
§ Mr. MacphersonCan the hon. Gentleman say what is the scope of this problem, how many such cases there are, and whether he appreciates the effect on morale of young men going in and out of dead end jobs, or any jobs at all, during the waiting period?
Mr. LeeI have great sympathy with the hon. Member's point of view, but he will appreciate that we are not medical people. We have to take the advice of our consultants, but I am so concerned that I have made a promise that it will not go beyond the six months' period.
§ Brigadier HeadIs not this deferred medical examination a new system unknown in the examination of anyone in any walk of life for the Services?
Mr. LeeI could not answer that without notice, but the occasions we have experienced it are very few indeed.