§ 47. Mr. Lewisasked the Prime Minister whether he has considered the letter from the hon. Member for West Ham, North, concerning the severe medical disability of an aircraftman whose civilian residence is in Forest Gate; and what action he proposes to take in connection with this matter.
§ The Prime MinisterYes, Sir. I have also studied an account of this airman's medical history while in the Royal Air Force. His disability is one that has often been treated successfully, and I am satisfied that it is right to keep him in the Service until it is known whether he responds to the treatment he is now being given. As my hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State for Air said on 22nd June, he will review the case if the disability does not respond within a reasonable time.
§ Mr. LewisThe Prime Minister has admitted in that reply—as has the Under-Secretary of State for Air—that this man is not fit, and that he—the Prime Minister —hopes that by experimentation the man may eventually be made fit for service. Is he aware that this man has already undergone great pain and suffering because of these experiments, and that the experts and medical authorities admit that this is making his condition worse? Will the Prime Minister at least see that the man is discharged, because he is not fit —as the Prime Minister and the Under-Secretary of State for Air have admitted?
§ The Prime MinisterThis is a medical matter, and I do not profess to be an expert upon the details, but I have gone into it and I understand that there have been previous cases of this kind in which the man concerned has been cured whilst carrying out his National Service. I am told that since April this man has been under training as an instrument mechanic, which is a trade in respect of which the Royal Air Force is short of men, and in which the man can use his civilian skill. I am also informed that since then he has not had any sick leave.
§ Mr. HamiltonWill the Prime Minister give an assurance that where a man is in need of medical treatment, even if it means an operation, that treatment and operation will be carried out while 500 the man remains in the forces, and that if his condition then improves he will not be discharged?
§ The Prime MinisterOne must treat those cases as one is advised on medical grounds by one's medical advisers. If in one case it is thought that continuance of service will result in a deterioration of the man's condition there is reason for his discharge. If, on the other hand, it is thought that he can be treated, as others have been treated, there is no case for discharge.
§ Mr. LewisOn a point of order. In view of the fact that both the Under-Secretary of State for Air and the Prime Minister have been misinformed, I beg to give notice that I shall raise this matter on the Adjournment.
§ Mr. SpeakerI think that what the hon. Member means is, "Owing to the unsatisfactory nature of the reply" he will raise the matter on the Adjournment.