HC Deb 20 December 1955 vol 547 c1844
56. Mr. V. Yates

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will make a statement concerning the death of a National Service man who was recently found hanging from a tree near Merebrook Camp, Malvern.

Mr. Head

An inquest was held on this soldier and I have nothing to add to the coroner's verdict that the deceased took his own life while the balance of his mind was disturbed.

Mr. Yates

Did the Minister note the statement made at the court, that life in that first fortnight in the Army appeared to be extremely rough? Whether or not this contributed to the matter, will the Minister investigate further to see whether that is so in this camp?

Mr. Head

I have been carefully into this sad case. This boy had been sent to a psychiatrist. There had been signs of this before. We do get exceptional cases of this kind. If the hon. Member would like to discuss the question with me, I can give him the full details of what I have discovered.