§ Sir J. NORTON-GRIFFITHSasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is 425W aware that Joseph William Alcock, of 20, Lyddon Grove, Garratt Lane, Wandsworth, late private, No. 6135469, East Surrey Regiment, was discharged from the Army on 4th March, 1922, on the grounds of physical unfitness and has since been refused any compensation whatever; that Alcock enlisted in the Army on 11th November, 1921, after full and proper medical examination; that within a short time he was found to be suffering from nephritis and was admitted into the Millbank Hospital; that he became an out-patient there and was finally discharged; and that before enlistment Alcock was healthy and had always been so; whether, if it is alleged that his disability was not caused during Alcock's five months' service in the Army, inquiries will be made as to the adequacy of the medical examination of recruits, seeing the desirability of having only fit men; and will he take steps to have the case inquired into?
§ Sir R. SANDERSThis man was discharged on the 4th March, 1922, as no longer physically fit. He had gone to hospital on the 5th December, 1921 (less than a month after joining the Army) and the medical board which examined him prior to discharge reported that his disability was in no way connected with his service in the Army. In these circumstances the Chelsea Commissioners had no power to make any award in his case. Inquiry will be made as to the adequacy of his medical examination on enlistment.