HC Deb 19 March 1959 vol 602 cc62-3W
75. Mr. Beswick

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps are taken within the Metropolitan Police Force to find suitable employment within the force for police officers who, by virtue of injury or illness sustained during service, are declared to be medically unfit for full police duties.

Mr. R. A. Butler

Members of the Metropolitan Police Force who have been declared permanently disabled for the performance of their duty cannot be assured other employment within the force. A disabled officer who is capable of filling an authorised police post on sedentary duties may, however, be retained in such a post if one is available.

76. Mr. Beswick

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department to what extent the decision regarding the medical fitness of a police officer in the Metropolitan Police Force is decided by one doctor only; and in what circumstances an officer can, if necessary, appeal to a medical board.

Mr. R. A. Butler

The Police Pensions Regulations provide that the questions whether a police officer is disabled and whether the disablement is likely to be permanent shall be decided by a duly qualified medical practitioner. In the Metropolitan Police Force the decision is given by the chief surgeon.

A certificate of the chief surgeon's decision is supplied on request to the officer concerned and if he is dissatisfied he may appeal to me. I am then bound by the Regulations to appoint one or more independent persons as the medical referee to decide the appeal.