§ Lorna FitzsimonsTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the medical grounds on the basis of which admission to the Army may be refused; and if he will give the reasons in each case. [90420]
§ Mr. Doug HendersonThe Army, in common with the Naval Service and the Royal Air Force, applies medical standards that entrants must meet. I am placing a copy of the medical standards in the Library of the House.
Medical selection criteria are imposed to ensure, as far as possible, the ability of recruits to undertake military training and to operate in all Service environments, many of which may be hostile. Furthermore, the armed forces have a duty of care to avoid causing deleterious effects on any pre-existing condition which would be detrimental to the long term health and welfare of the individual. The bar on certain medical conditions also exists to minimise any liabilities which could arise from allowing individuals with known medical conditions into environments which have a high risk of adverse outcome for them.