HC Deb 24 July 1956 vol 557 c185
11. Lieut.-Colonel Lipton

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will review his decision not to allow Mr. G. Frost, of whom details have been submitted, to rejoin the Army.

Mr. Head

I have had this case reviewed. Mr. Frost was discharged from the Army as permanently unfit for service on medical grounds, and I am advised that this decision should stand because of the considerable danger that he would once again fail to stand up to Service conditions.

Lieut.-Colonel Lipton

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that, however odd it may seem, that young Brixton man is anxious to get back into the Army, and that he considers that he is much better now than he was? Is it fair to exclude him from the Army on the basis of a medical report which is now two years old?

Mr. Head

As the hon. and gallant Gentleman calls himself a lieutenant-colonel, I do not see why he should think it so odd that this man should want to rejoin the Army. We do not wish to turn down men who are fit, but we should be doing a dis-service to the Army and to the man himself if we were to accept him when he is below the medical category.