THE HEALTH OF THE MILITIA
[To the Editor of THE SPECTATOR]
Sm,—With reference to Mr. Titmuss's and Mr. Brunner's letters in The Spectator of July 7th, commenting on my comparison between the medical gradings of Militiamen today and the results of the examination carried out by the Ministry of National Service in 1917-1918, the results again were-
1917-1918 1939 Grade I 36 84.5 Grade II 23 8.8 Grade III
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4.4 Grade IV 10 2.3 The War-time figures included a large proportion of youths of eighteen, and also a large proportion of men below twenty- five, who had been in sheltered jobs, such as the Civil Service and munitions factories. The Ministry's Report stated defi- nitely that the figures could be taken as a fair estimate of the physical condition of the men of military age in the country.
The comparison is obviously not an exact one. Never- theless, the evidence of one's eyes, no less than the figures, brings home the immense improvement that has taken place, thanks to the advance in our social services. I still think there are grounds for legitimate satisfaction. At the same time, I entirely sympathise with your correspondent's feeling that ir would be a pity if this were to lead us to rest on our laurels. There is still malnutrition in this country, and there ought not to be Not being a doctor, I hesitate to make any further attempt at elucidating the figures. I was concerned primarily with " the militiaman's start." But the matter is obviously one of national importance, and I suggest, Sir, that an article from your medical correspondent on this subject might be of great interest.—Yours faithfully, B. T. REYNOLDS. 49 Palace Gardens Terrace, W.8.
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