Personal Case

HC Deb 20 July 1960 vol 627 cc468-9

11. Mr. Stratton Mills

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, at any time, he arranged a personal inspection and examination, by one of the honorary consultants in urology to the Army, of a constituent of the hon. Member for Belfast, North, particulars of which have been sent to him, who has been declared medically unfit for entry to Sandhurst.

Mr. H. Fraser

No, Sir. The candidate was examined by a senior medical specialist. The case notes and X-ray films were then seen by a consultant. I am advised that no symptoms of kidney disease in this candidate were detectable on physical examination and that a decision depended on a study of the X-ray films.

Mr. Stratton Mills

Does my hon. Friend recall that in a letter to me on 29th January he said that investigations had been carried out and …included examination by the Honorary Consultant in Urology to the Army. As it appears that this has not been done and, also, that this was the basis on which my hon. Friend's decision was taken in this extremely difficult case, will he not look at this matter again and invite the Honorary Consultant in Urology to the Army personally to examine this boy, in view of the conflict between senior medical people involved?

Mr. Fraser

I am sorry that my letter was badly worded, and I apologise. It has always been clear to me that the examination by the consultant was confined to a study of the films of the X-rays, which is the only way in which this complaint can be discovered. I have looked at the matter of giving this boy a further examination but there would be no medical purpose in it. There is nothing further that I can do.

Mr. Stratton Mills

Is my hon. Friend aware that I have been advised by medical opinion that this extremely complex disease can best be discovered by personal examination and not only by examination of X-rays? Will he look at this again?

Mr. Fraser

I am advised in a contrary sense, but I will discuss this again with my hon. Friend.

Mr. Stratton Mills

In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I will seek to raise this matter on the Adjournment at the earliest opportunity.