HC Deb 12 November 1918 vol 110 cc2540-1W
Mr. MOUNT

asked the Minister of National Service whether, in view of the inconvenience and loss of time caused by the calling up of agricultural workers for medical re-examination, this practice can now be discontinued?

Mr. BECK

As my hon. Friend will have seen from the announcement in the Press this morning, all notices calling men up for medical examination have been cancelled.

Mr. G. LAMBERT

asked the Minister of National Service whether he is aware that at recent medical examinations at Exeter men were kept for a considerable time in a semi-nude condition, thereby contracting pneumonia, which has resulted in the death of two young agriculturists aged thirty-one and thirty-three, respectively?

Mr. BECK

I was not aware of the matter referred to by my right hon. Friend, but I am having inquiries made; and would be glad if he would assist me by informing me of the dates of the examinations and the names of the two cases. I may add that I have been in telephonic communication with Exeter, and am assured that every possible precaution is taken to avoid delays and to secure the comfort of those examined.