HC Deb 24 November 1953 vol 521 cc174-7
20. Mr. Dodds

asked the Secretary of State for War when No. 22766735 Private R. W. Powell reported for Army service; what was his medical grade; on what grounds it has since been changed; how often he has reported to the medical officer; and, in view of all the circumstances, if he will give further consideration to the discharge of this soldier as being unsuitable for Army service.

Mr. Head

This soldier reported for service on 5th February this year. He was then assessed as medically fit for full duties. In June, owing to a foot disability, his medical assessment was changed to "fit for base duties, worldwide." In September, owing to an eye condition, his employment was further restricted to base duties in temperate climates only. He has reported sick to his medical officer four times and has twice been examined by a specialist. I have carefully reviewed his case and am satisfied that this soldier's medical category is correct and that his duties are appropriate to his grading.

29. Mr. Proctor

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware of the physical condition of 22931249 Private Tinsley, 8S San Block, No. 1 Platoon, A Company, 1st Training Battalion, Blandford, Dorset, who has been accepted into the Armed Forces; how far this soldier performs military duties; and if he has considered the advice that this man's medical adviser has given that grave damage may ensue if the plate in this soldier's arm is disturbed as a result of a knock or bang.

Mr. Head

Yes, Sir. This soldier, who joined last month, was found unfit to undergo normal training in the Army and is being employed on light duties. It has now been decided to bring him before a medical board with a view to discharge from the Army.

Mr. Proctor

Does the Minister not think that this case indicates great inefficiency on the part of some Government Department in accepting a soldier of this low category into the Army, and that it does an injury to the person concerned, to his family, and is a waste of public money?

Mr. Head

I have looked into this man's case. He had trouble in his shoulder, which was almost identical to what I had myself, and it is not easy to identify. It was found that it interfered with his duties even if they were light duties, and, therefore, he is going. But to make an immediate diagnosis of the extent of that injury is not easy.

Mr. Proctor

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the man concerned told the doctor of this injury and he said, "Can you lift your arm up so far?" The man replied that he could, and the doctor said, "That will do."

Mr. Head

I do not think that is so. I read this case carefully. The man said he had a plate in his arm which did not show up in his X-ray. It was felt that he had overstressed the extent of the damage, but events have proved that he is not fit for Army service and he is being discharged.

Mr. Proctor

Will the right hon. Gentleman have the case further examined to avoid a repetition of this sort of thing?

31 and 32. Mr. Ross

asked the Secretary of State for War (1) on what evidence it was decided to post 22443865 Private Armour, 1st Battalion, King's Own Scottish Borderers, as illegally absent;

(2) what steps have been taken, and are being taken, to trace 22443865 Private Armour, S Company, 1st Battalion, King's Own Scottish Borderers, who disappeared in Korea in May, 1952.

Mr. Head

The evidence on which this action was taken was that Private Armour, who had been in the company of another soldier on the day of his absence, later failed to parade for sentry duty. There were no special reasons to explain his absence and he was at the time in a safe area. All possible inquiries have been and are being made.

Mr. Ross

Is the Minister aware that this lad had only a few months to serve, and that in a letter to his parents his commanding officer, after paying tribute to the boy's steadiness of character, said that in his opinion his absence was not voluntary? In view of that fact and the fact that another man of this battalion, who later became a prisoner of war, writing home at that time said that he had seen this lad's dead body, a story which he has now confirmed since here turned from the prisoner of war camp, will the right hon. Gentleman come to a definite conclusion about this boy's absence?

Mr. Head

There has not been any confirmation about the dead body, and, indeed, the evidence on that has been very flimsy. As far as going absent is concerned, if a man is in a safe area and goes absent he is, ipso facto illegally absent until events prove where he has gone.

Mr. Ross

How long will this unsatisfactory position continue for this man's family, and particularly for his mother, before events compel the Secretary of State to change his mind?

Mr. Head

I regret very much the uncertainty for the parents; I could not regret it more. But, if a man disappears into thin air without trace and with only one flimsiest rumour to go on, we can do nothing more than go on inquiring into the matter and try to find the answer.

Mr. Ross

Owing to the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I shall raise the matter on the Adjournment.