§ Mr. HAYDENasked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether officers and men classed by the medical board as C2 are regarded only fit for office work; if any such persons are sent to general service work, and, if so, are there many such cases; and whether it is contrary to the usual practice to have men so classified sent to work of this description?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONCategory C2 has for some considerable time been incorporated with Category B2. Such men are considered fit for service in Labour units, or on garrison or regimental outdoor employment at home or in North-West Europe, and in other theatres of war, subject to special medical examination as to their fitness before proceeding overseas. The answer to the second part of my hon. Friend's question is in the negative, and the third part does not, therefore, arise.
§ Mr. ELLIS DAVIESasked the President of the Local Government Board whether, particularly in the older ages, a man certified by his medical attendant to be suffering from some affection of the heart is, when before the medical assessors, examined by a specialist in diseases of the heart; and, if not, whether, in view of the importance of the matter both to the men and the nation, he can arrange for such examination to be made by some eminent consultant?
§ Mr. HAYES FISHEREach group of examining assessors includes a physician who is one of the leading consultants of the profession and who is competent to decide on disabilities of the heart; in addition, if in any case the examining assessors think it necessary, they are authorised to refer the man for examination by a specialist.