§ 71. Mr. Doddsasked the Under-Secretary of State for Air if he will report on the result of the medical examination given to 2731286 Aircraftman, Second Class, S. G. Thaine, who was brought home from Iraq; and what is his present medical grade.
§ The Under-Secretary of State for Air (Mr. George Ward)The dyspepsia which caused this airman to be brought home has now been alleviated. His feet have been examined by an orthopaedic specialist who has recommended a course of exercises, and some slight alterations to his shoes. While he is undergoing treatment he will remain classified as temporarily unfit for duty.
§ Mr. DoddsDoes not the Under-Secretary of State recall that when he answered my Question, and also replied to me on the Adjournment, he said it was not a question of the man's foot at all? How can he deny that a bone specialist has recommended that one toe be amputated, and that one leg is three-quarters of an inch longer than the other? Would he not agree that it is essential that this man should be discharged from the Service at the earliest possible moment as the man is not fit to be in the Service?
§ Mr. WardThe previous Question to which the hon. Member has referred asked the reason for bringing this man home from the Middle East. That, I explained, was due to another cause altogether. As regards the second part of the supplementary question, the man has already been seen by an orthopaedic specialist and will be seen by him again about 1st August. The man is also at liberty to consult his own civilian doctor.
§ Mr. DoddsBecause of the unsatisfactory nature of the answer and because I am unable to deal with the matter by Question and answer, I beg to give notice that I will raise the matter on the Adjournment at the earliest possible moment.