asked the Minister for Defence if he is aware that in recent years a number of soldiers have been invalided out of the Army suffering from tuberculosis, and that it is alleged by many of the men concerned, and by their relatives, that this disease was contracted on active service, and in many cases is attributable to the hardships associated with manoeuvres; and whether he will cause an inquiry to be made into the subject matter of these allegations, and in the meantime whether he will take appropriate measures to provide compensation for men so invalided out of the Army, and in the case of the death of such men for their widows and direct dependents.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Invalided Soldiers.
I am aware that within recent years a number of soldiers have been discharged from the Army suffering from tuberculosis, and that it has been alleged in many cases that the disease was attributable to Army service. I am also aware that in a number of cases the disease was so attributable. While every effort is made to render soldiers physically fit before exposing them to the rigours of exercises, it must be recognised that the military training cannot be excluded as a factor in bringing the disease to light in certain susceptible cases.
In view of the fact that the incidence of tuberculosis in the Army is only slightly higher than amongst the general population, and that soldiers are mainly in the age group most susceptible to the disease, I do not consider that any special inquiry into the matter is warranted.
The Army Pensions Act, 1943, makes provision for the payment of compensation in cases of disability or death as a result of disease attributable to Army service.