§ Mr. WILESasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he is aware that there is a lack of consideration shown in the treatment of Metropolitan sick 95W police in the Hammersmith district, and that constables have been taken off the sick list prematurely, thereby causing serious results to follow; is he aware that constables when attending before the surgeon are not permitted to be accompanied by an officer in accordance with the Commissioner's instructions; and, if so, what steps he proposes to take to remove the alleged grievance?
Mr. H. SAMUELThe Commissioner informs me that there are no grounds for the allegation that in the Hammersmith district constables are taken prematurely off the sick list. In his judgment the Divisional Surgeon treats them invariably with due consideration. An officer accompanies the constable attending this surgeon, but the surgeon has made it his practice to see the constable not in the presence of the officer. He doubtless thinks that the sick man will be more likely to tell him unreservedly facts which he requires to know for correct diagnosis and treatment if the officer is not present.