HC Deb 11 December 1945 vol 417 cc337-8W
Major Wilkes

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that many soldiers of the pre-war Regular Army, who, by reason of wounds or illness resulting from service, are now of a low medical category are consequently refused permission to sign on for a further period of service in order to qualify for pension; that the men so refused have only a few more years to serve to qualify and are of good character and fit for non-operational service; and whether he will issue instructions that men with 15 years' service and over should be allowed to complete service for pension.

Mr. Lawson

It is a normal and reasonable condition for re-engagement in the Regular Army that an applicant must be medically fit for service at home and abroad. The medical categories vary slightly in the different arms and corps but the general condition applies in all cases, and I see no ground for altering the rules in that respect.