§ Mr. KINGasked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that a soldier was, on 28th August, admitted to hospital suffering from shell-shock and neurasthenia, but has been discharged in Class A, after a short period of hospital treatment, and sent straight back to the firing-line; and whether the practice is, or regulations require, that any period should elapse before a neurasthenic is sent into action?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONMy hon. Friend has supplied me with details of the case in question. The soldier referred to has been brought before a medical board in France, who considered him to be in good health and fit for his present duties. His 233W commanding officer also reports that since lie has been with his present unit he has carried out his duties in an efficient manner, is apparently well and fit, and has not complained of ill-heath or reported sick. My hon. Friend will realise that neurasthenic cases vary very much in degree, and it has hitherto been thought inadvisable to impose such a restriction as he suggests on the medical opinions which may be formed as to individual cases. The matter is, however, now being reconsidered in the light of the experience which has been gained regarding these cases.