HL Deb 01 May 1984 vol 451 cc460-1

2.45 p.m.

Lord Newall

My Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question standing in my name on the Order Paper.

The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government how many cases of glandular fever there have been at the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst in 1983–84; how many cadets were relegated or left the Army as a result; and whether they are satisfied with the level of diagnosis in the early stages.

Lord Trefgarne

My Lords, an outbreak of glandular fever occurred in the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst, commencing early in 1983. From the onset until March 1984 a total of 55 clinical cases were confirmed on the basis of laboratory tests, and there were a further 18 cases in which laboratory tests were inconclusive. As a result of the disease, 32 cadets were back-termed and two were medically boarded and fell below retention standards. I am wholly satisfied with the level of medical care available at the academy.

Lord Newall

My Lords, I thank my noble friend for his very full reply. Is it not clear that possibly the Army is losing a great many good potential officers? As they are all perhaps under such great stress at Sandhurst, would it not be a good idea to lengthen the term at Sandhurst, rather than put these cadets under so much stress in a short period?

Lord Trefgarne

My Lords, with respect to my noble friend, that is another question. As I stated in my original Answer, only two cadets out of the 55 or more who contracted the disease have had to leave the academy and not continue.

Lord Ennals

My Lords, does not the Minister agree that there is something very disturbing about a situation in which 55 cadets develop a disease? Can the noble Lord explain why he is satisfied with the level of diagnosis? Does he not agree that the situation of this number of young people contracting glandular fever would be considered most peculiar if it were found in any other institution? Is the noble Lord not concerned about this, and ought there not to be further inquiries?

Lord Trefgarne

My Lords, I am advised that this disease is vey difficult to diagnose and singularly difficult to control. In fact, many cases are never diagnosed. There is no vaccine against it, and some 20 per cent. of healthy adults can be carriers. The disease is carried in the throat and is fed by coughing and sneezing. However, I am pleased to say that there are now only four or five cadets still suffering from the after-effects of this outbreak.