HC Deb 14 February 1938 vol 331 cc1552-3W
Mr. Orr-Ewing

asked the Minister of Pensions whether in future the full medical history of an ex-service man whilst in any of the services can be supplied to his medical adviser if such a man makes a written request to this effect?

Mr. Ramsbotham

The service records are confidential. I could not, therefore, adopt this suggestion which would, in any event, involve a greater amount of labour than I should be justified in undertaking. It is, however, the practice of the Ministry to welcome any reasoned statement in support of the claim from the man's own medical adviser and I am always ready to give him an opportunity to discuss the case with a medical officer of the Ministry in his area.

Mr. Groves

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware that Edward Sewell, 7–25, Oxford Road, Stratford, E., 11/M/2,707,015, is unable to work as a result of disability following War service, and that his Department has up to the present not recognised the disability; and whether he will cause special inquiries and examination to be made in this case?

Mr. Ramsbotham

When Mr. Sewell made application in 1933 his case was fully considered but my medical advisers were unable, on the evidence before them, to certify that the condition from which he was suffering was connected with his War service. Nothing has since come to light to cause that decision to be varied, but if Mr. Sewell can produce any fresh material evidence in support of his case, I am quite prepared to have it fully reviewed.

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