HC Deb 13 April 1948 vol 449 cc54-5W
Sir E. Graham-Little

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that his Department informed the solicitors acting in divorce proceedings for the wife of a patient, of whose name he has been informed, under treatment at a Military Hospital for V.D., that they could obtain the information regarding the nature of his disease from the medical practitioner who was named to them as having had the care of this patient in hospital, in breach of the assurance given to all patients entering hospital with V.D. that no such information will be given to any third party; and if he will inquire into this case and take steps to prevent a repetition of this breach of confidence.

Mr. Shinwell

The hon. Member appears to be under a misapprehension. No such statement was made to the solicitors. The name of a doctor formerly serving in the R.A.M.C. who it was thought might be able to give evidence from personal knowledge of this case was supplied to them in accordance with the normal practice of my Department for the sole purpose of enabling a subpoena to be served.