HC Deb 09 June 1942 vol 380 cc938-9W
Mr. A. Edwards

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that Gunner Blackie, 1639226, after exercising in Bombay his right to refuse inoculation, was forcibly inoculated by the medical officer on 15th April, 1942; was then awarded seven days' field punishment and loss of seven days' pay, for having endangered his comrades by refusing inoculation in a cholera emergency; that as the other soldiers had been inoculated their health could not have been endangered by Blackie's refusing inoculation; that the whole procedure is contrary to Army Regulations and War Office Orders; and, whether any compensation is to be awarded Blackie for treatment for which there is no precedent in the records of the British Army?

Sir J. Grigg

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer given to my hon. Friends the Members for West Willesden (Mr. Viant) and the Sutton Division of. Plymouth (Lady Astor) to-day, of which I am sending him a copy.