HC Deb 24 July 1957 vol 574 cc60-1W
82. Mr. Teeling

asked the Minister of Labour why, when Raymond R. J. Thatcher, 132a, Islingward Road, Brighton, was discharged from the Royal Air Force as unfit for National Service on 15th March, 1957, and then took up a permanent post in industry, he was ordered to report again on 30th May, made to undergo a further medical examination, told that he should not consult his Member of Parliament about it, and is now about to be called up again for the Royal Air Force; and why it is necessary to call up someone who has already served and been discharged.

Mr. Iain Macleod

Mr. Thatcher has not served in the Royal Air Force. He was provisionally accepted for Regular service in the Royal Air Force, but there was some doubt about his medical condition and he was rejected. Subsequently this doubt was resolved and Mr. Thatcher was offered Regular service in the Royal Air Force, but this offer was not accepted. Accordingly, it was necessary to reconsider his position under the National Service Acts, and he was re-examined by a National Service medical board, when he was placed in Grade I. My principal medical adviser is of the opinion that this grading is correct, and he must, therefore, be regarded as available for National Service. I can find no evidence to support the suggestion that Mr. Thatcher was told that he should not consult his Member of Parliament.