§ Mr. SAMUEL SAMUELasked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he will explain why the request made to the War Office that the case of J. Rickett, a native of Quendon, Essex, should be investigated by the authorities locally where his antecedents and mental deficiency are well known has not yet been acceded to?
§ Mr. TENNANTThis man, James Rickett, was examined by the medical board on 24th March, 1916. He gave his occupation as being that of woodman. He was asked the routine questions as to his previous health, and his replies gave no indication of mental deficiency. He appeared to understand the questions put to him. He made no reference to insanity in his family, and brought with him no documents bearing on his family history. The board found that he was "dull" mentally, and made a note as to his partial deafness, which was thought to account for his "dullness." As a result of the examination, the board was of opinion that neither defect was sufficient to prevent the man—since he was a woodman—from carrying on his customary work in the category of "labour abroad." In doubtful cases of mental disease, the local medical practitioner is always communicated with before a decision is arrived at, but, in this1822W case, there was not sufficient evidence to suggest the necessity of further investigation.