HC Deb 10 November 1953 vol 520 cc22-3W
62. Mr. Gibson

asked the Secretary of State for War why National Service men who are declared unfit for the Territorial Army on discharge from their National Service, are called up for 15 days' training with the Supplementary Reserve; whether he is aware that 22399061 Rifleman T. C. Nokes, Royal Ulster Rifles, of whom he has been informed, who was discharged after service in Korea with one ear-drum burst and the other seriously damaged, and rejected by the Territorial Army, has now been called up for 15 days' training; and whether he will take steps to cancel this.

Mr. Head

There is no question of calling up for training any National Service man who has been discharged from the Army. I have looked into this particular case and find that this soldier was medically downgraded whilst serving in the Territorial Army and transferred to duties on which men of lower medical category can be employed. He will be medically examined before he is required to train.

72. Miss Herbison

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is now able to give a reply to the hon. Member for Lanark, North, concerning the inquiries she has made on behalf of 22730263 Craftsman A. Kelly.

Mr. Head

Yes. I have written to the hon. Member.

73 and 74. Mrs. Braddock

asked the Secretary of State for War (1) if he is aware that 22288898 M. Brennan, I/R/Norfolks, B.A.P.O.I., was discharged as sergeant from the Paratroop Regiment as a permanent mental case including hysteria, 20 per cent. Cat. E, in September, 1948, after serving since 1945; that he rejoined without disclosing his disability, was passed fit, served in Pusan in the Tank Regiment, Royal Ulster Rifles and the Norfolks, and in Hong Kong, felt the mental strain, reported his previous discharge and asked for his release, but has been harshly treated in Hong Kong, court-martialled and sentenced to six months imprisonment and dishonourable discharge; and if, in view of the unsatisfactory features of this case, he will institute a full inquiry;

(2) if he has yet had an opportunity of studying the proceedings of the court-martial in the case of 22288898 M. Brennan, I/R/Norfolks, B.A.P.O.I.; and what conclusion he has reached.

Mr. Head

The court-martial proceedings in this case have now been received, but I cannot comment on them until the psychiatric reports made on this soldier are also available. As soon as I have them, I will write to the hon. Member.