§ Mr. McEnteeasked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether, in view of the successful results achieved by the 2127W use of insulin in the treatment of diabetics, he will now amend the regulations debarring those suffering from diabetes from entry into the public services?
§ Lieut.-Colonel ColvilleThere is no actual regulation debarring those suffering from diabetes from entry to the civil service; the existence of this disease is, however, a factor which has to be considered in the medical examination which is undergone by candidates for entry to, or establishment in, the public service. Each case is decided on its merits by the appropriate authority, in the light of the medical report. Since it has to be considered not only whether the candidate is at present fit for the duties of the post he seeks, but also whether he will remain so till the age of retirement, this decision must often be adverse in spite of the efficaceous treatment available to-day.