HC Deb 12 October 1939 vol 352 c541W
Mr. Parker

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that Mr. A.J. Cox, of 89, Turnage Road, Dagenham, applied for his Army medical records in writing, in order that he might avail himself of the privileges granted to disabled ex-Service men in obtaining light work for which they are suited; that he was refused these by the War Office on the grounds that Army medical records are confidential and privileged, and that it is contrary to the general practice of the Department to make disclosures there-from; and whether he will take steps to see that this information is made available to men applying for it in the proper manner?

Sir V. Warrender

It is essential to maintain the confidential nature of the Army medical records, which are priviledged from disclosure. I regret that an exception cannot be made in this case, but the letter sent to Mr. Cox confirmed the statement as to his medical category shown on the protection certificate issued to him on his discharge, which was not on medical grounds.