HC Deb 27 July 1954 vol 531 cc27-8W
73. Mr. H. Johnson

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that 23202942 Signalman P. Miles was passed as Grade I by the Brighton Medical Board on 30th April, 1954; why he has been notified that his 22 years' Regular engagement is being determined on the ground of medical unfitness after only one month's service; and what compensation he will receive.

Mr. J. R. H. Hutchison

Signalman Miles injured his right hand when he was four and he had considerable difficulty in training. It was decided as a result of a medical board and two specialist examinations that, although his hand is still useful to him in his civil work, he is not fit for military service. I am sorry that this decision had to be taken but I cannot accept, on the facts as I know them, that he has any claim to compensation.

80. Mr. Teeling

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that a constituent of the hon. Member for Brighton, Pavilion, who was born in Southern Ireland but lives in England and has volunteered for military service has been refused permission to be a cypher clerk; to what extent this is customary; and what other branches of the Army Forces are closed to those born in Southern Ireland.

Mr. J. R. H. Hutchison

If my hon. Friend will let me have particulars of his constituent, I will look into the reason for his not being accepted for this type of work.

81. Mr. Teeling

asked the Secretary of State for War why Lance-Corporal Hooker, of whom he has particulars, was reported to his parents as on the danger list when only on the seriously-ill list; why urgent letters from his hospital in Germany to his parents, passed through the War Office and took five or six days to reach Brighton; and why, in view of his parents anxiety to see him, nobody at the War Office knew to what hospital in what part of England he was to be flown until the day after he had already arrived.

Mr. J. R. H. Hutchison

I am sorry that I have not yet been able to go fully into these three questions. I hope, however, to write to my hon. Friend very shortly.