HC Deb 12 March 1942 vol 378 cc1217-8W
Mr. J. Dugdale

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that a considerable number of men passed as fit to join young soldiers' battalions are found shortly afterwards to be physically incapable of performing the duties required; and whether, to save trouble and expense in partially training men who are unable to become soldiers, he will instruct medical boards to be more careful in carrying out their tests in future?

Mr. Sandys

No reports have been received that any considerable number of men posted to young soldiers' battalions have been unable to stand up physically to their duties. No special statistical analysis has been possible at short notice, but the figures which I have seen suggest that the percentage of gradings requiring subsequent revision among these men is lower than for the Army as a whole. I shall, however, be happy to examine any figures which my hon. Friend may care to send me.

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