asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will further consider the claim for disability pension of Mr. G. J. Ross, Louisa Street, Darlington, late trumpeter, Royal Artillery, in view of the following facts: that he was perfectly fit on enlistment in 1926, aged 14; that there is no trace of heart disease in his family; that he was discharged two years later with valvular disease of the heart of such degree that his doctor states that he will never be able to do heavy work; and that his doctor further states that in his opinion his present complaint, if not actually due to, was certainly aggravated by his trumpet blowing; and whether, in the light of such evidence, he will reconsider this case for compensation?

The case of Mr. Ross has been fully considered, but as I have already informed the hon. Member, the Army medical authorities are satisfied that his disability is not attributable to his military service. I regret, therefore, that he is ineligible for a pension from Army funds.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this boy—he was no more than a boy—was perfectly fit before he joined the Army at the age of 14 years and that this disease only developed as a result of his service in the Army as a trumpeter?

No, that is precisely what cannot be shown. Medical authorities say that the disability did not develop because of his service in the Army. It might equally have been developed if he had remained in civilian life.

Is the Secretary of State for War aware that in the opinion of his private doctor there is no doubt whatever that his complaint was aggravated by his service in the Army?

That is one of the instances in which doctors differ.

Ought not this boy to be given the benefit of the doubt?

Dr. VERNON DAVIES:

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether there is any trace in his military record of the boy having had rheumatism?

Not without notice.