§ Mr. HANSONasked the Secretary of State for War whether the minimum standard chest measurement for men called up was originally 34 inches; whether the standard has since been reduced; whether men once rejected because of non-compliance with that medical requirement are now on reexamination accepted on passing a less severe chest measurement test; and whether there is a tribunal to which an appeal can be made from the decision of an examining Army doctor?
§ Mr. FORSTERPrior to 4th March, 1915, the minimum standard for voluntary recruits taken for the Infantry was 34 inches for men of nineteen years of age. Men were not called up at that period. On 4th March, 1915, the minimum standard was reduced 1 inch, and this standard still remains in force. The standard is not a fixed one, and is only for the guidance of medical officers. A man is not examined by one Army doctor, but by a medical board. If a man presents himself for voluntary medical examination, he may ask for another medical examination on the day that he is called up on the grounds that his condition has changed since the period of examination. There is no appeal from the decision of the medical board on the day the man is called up.