§ 7. Mr. Spriggsasked the Secretary of State for Defence why proficient disabled members of the Royal Observer Corps have recently been prohibited from attending the annual training camp of the Royal Observer Corps; and if he will reconsider this decision in order to mark the International Year of Disabled People.
§ Mr. GoodhartThe medical and accommodation facilities at RAF West Raynham where the camp is held, are of limited capacity. Because of experiences during the Royal Observer Corps 1980 training camp when there was a high incidence of illness, including three cases of heart failure, one of which was fatal, the commandant decided to discourage attendance in need of regular medical attention. Since consideration of health and safety must be paramount, I see no reason to change his policy.
§ Mr. SpriggsIs the Minister aware that my constituents feel that the Defence Department is treating those people as if they were mentally deficient? Is he aware that many of those disabled people are highly able and proficient members of the corps? Will he take this opportunity, in the International Year of Disabled People, to reconsider the matter and at least give those people an opportunity of serving their country?
§ Mr. GoodhartThose people have an opportunity to serve their country, which they do well. However, their health and safety must be of paramount importance. I do not believe that it would be right for me to override the commandant of the corps on that point.