§ Mr. KINGasked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether orders have been given to surgeons of London hospitals not to undertake any operations on soldiers under their charge for diseases originating before they were wounded if the treatment of such cases would delay them from re-joining any longer than would be necessary for recovery from their wounds; whether he is aware that in the new armies there are men of lower physical standard than the old army and that many were passed for service with serious physical defects; and what reason can be given for an order which must seriously affect the health and even the lives of many soldiers?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONThe criterion in this matter is fitness for military service, 641W and no instructions have been issued to prevent surgeons performing operations which are necessary for the cure of any disability which unfits a man for military service.