§ Sir Eldon GriffithsTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what information he has received from the British high commissioner in Harare in the case of Mr. J. A. Smith of 195 New Cheveley road, Newmarket, on whose behalf the Zimbabwe social welfare pensions office convened a medical board on 9 November 1987.
§ Mrs. ChalkerThe Zimbabwe social welfare pensions office has informed our high commission in Harare that "their convening a medical board on 9 November 1987" means that Mr. Smith's medical papers have been sent to the DHSS asking for a British medical board to be convened on its behalf. This board is asked to assess the degree of Mr. Smith's disability and to determine whether or not the disability is in a final and stationary condition. The papers reached the appropriate DHSS section on 24 February where the request is under urgent consideration. Meanwhile, since Mr. Smith has already provided a private medical report to the Zimbabwe authorities, the high commission in Harare has asked the Zimbabwe social welfare pensions office whether a medical board in the United Kingdom is still necessary. As I said in my letter of 16 February to my hon. Friend, I will let him know when we have clarified the position.