HC Deb 30 June 1955 vol 543 cc496-7
43. Mr. Hamilton

asked the Minister of Labour if he will make a statement on the steps taken by his Department to keep track of all National Service men discharged on medical grounds to ensure that they are recalled if there has been sufficient recovery from the original physical disability.

Sir W. Monckton

No such steps are taken, as, in accordance with the policy laid down during the war years by the then Minister of Labour, it has not been the practice to recall for further service those National Service men who are discharged on medical grounds.

Mr. Hamilton

Would it not be reasonable to consider recalling men whose condition, they having been discharged on medical grounds and having had a subsequent operation, has been found to have improved? Is the Minister aware that the impression created in my mind and in the minds of many people is that there has been preferential treatment of a certain person? The only way to remove these doubts is to have this man medically re-examined after the operation which he is to have and, if his condition is found to have sufficiently improved, to recall him.

Sir W. Monckton

I do not think that it would be very wise just because of one case—even if the hon. Gentleman's assumptions were accepted—to alter a practice which has stood for fifteen years.