§ Mr. Astorasked the Secretary of State for War whether he will make an inquiry into the circumstances of the death of the late 900029 Bombardier Arthur Nether-way Ward, 8th Field Regiment, R.A.; if there was any negligence on the part of the military authorities concerned; and if he will take action to ensure that there is no recurrence of this kind of treatment for men recently returned from the Far East.
§ Mr. LawsonThorough inquiries have been made into this case. There is no record of Bombardier Ward having reported sick at any time after his return to this country. He denied any previous history of malaria when he was medically examined prior to his release on the day before his death, and clinical examination did not reveal any organic disease. It was not until after a post-mortem had been held that the nature of Bombardier Ward's complaint was discovered. In the circumstances I. do not consider that there is any evidence of negligence on the part of the military authorities concerned. The description of the heating arrangements and other conditions at the R.A. Depot, Woolwich, contained in the correspondence sent by the hon. Member is not in accordance with the facts. In particular, heated waiting rooms with 'seating accommodation are provided for men who are waiting to see the medical officer. Moreover, an ample supply of mepacrine tablets is always available, but there is no record that Bombardier Ward ever applied for a further supply after his normal six weeks supply was exhausted.
Comprehensive and, in my opinion, satisfactory arrangements already exist for ensuring proper medical care for men returning from the Far East. The necessity for men to report sick if they feel unwell is emphasised both at home and overseas.