§ 36. Mr. Doddsasked the Minister of Labour, in view of the fact that Malcolm Harris has now been found unfit for service in the Armed Forces, by a specially requested medical examination, 21 what action he has taken in respect to those members of the previous medical board who decided otherwise, resulting in his being instructed to report to the Royal Air Force on 11th July last whilst he was suffering pain and inconvenience from a spinal injury necessitating treatment three times a week at Gravesend Hospital and the wearing at all time of a special corset with steel supports.
§ Mr. WatkinsonI am satisfied that the members of the medical board which first examined this man acted perfectly correctly in referring him to a consultant, on whose report grading was determined.
§ Mr. DoddsWhy does the Parliamentary Secretary continue to evade the question? Is it not a fact that the man was wearing a corset with steel supports? Is it not a fact that this was not recorded and that this man was to have gone into the Air Force whereas now, having been seen, he is not to undertake any service whatever? Why does he defend an obvious blunder?
§ Mr. WatkinsonIn this case the hon. Member is not quite on the right point. Whether this man was wearing a corset or not, the medical board did what was right in his interests, there being some doubt as to his medical fitness, and referred him to a consultant. His grading was decided on the consultant's report.
§ Mr. DoddsOn a point of order. In view of the unsatisfactory answer, I beg to give notice that I shall raise this matter on the Adjournment.