HC Deb 29 November 1928 vol 223 cc565-8
5. Mr. SCRYMGEOUR

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware that the appeal of Mr. A. D. Hamilton, late No. 316,576, corporal, Black Watch, 36, Greendykes Road, Craigiebank, Dundee, backed by the Angus War Pensions Committee for increase of pension from 60 to 70 per cent., on account of the measurement of the stump of his amputated thigh, has been turned down; that the Committee are still being refused particulars of the latest measurement; and why resistance has been made to the application for review of the original award?

Major TRYON

This case has been fully considered. The award made to Mr. Hamilton in 1919 is fully established to be in accordance with the prescribed rates. No error has occurred in the assessment, nor do the latest measurements of the stump indicate any more than such fractional shrinkage of the stump as is liable to occur in these cases. No increase of disablement has occurred such as would justify an increase of the rate of pension awarded, and, in these circumstances, I am unable to take the course suggested in the last part of the question.

Mr. SCRYMGEOUR

Seeing that the Committee were unanimous, the chairman himself snaking an appeal in this case, and seeing that the time which elapsed is really the explanation of the difference which he admits is slight, is the right hon. and gallant Gentleman now prepared to meet the Committee and have the case reviewed, and give the benefit of any difference in favour of the man?

Major TRYON

Of course, I shall be happy to consider any representations made by the Committee, but it is quite clear that there has been no increase in the disablement.

Mr. SCRYMGEOUR

Is the right hon. and gallant Gentleman prepared to meet them under those conditions?

Major TRYON

I am prepared to consider any additional points which the Committee wish to raise.

7. Mr. MACLEAN

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he has made the promised inquiry into the case of Michael McCluskey, 33, Cessnock Street, Ibrox, Glasgow, identity number 1 /M.M./ 27,918; whether he has found the facts to have been as stated; and what action he has taken, or is taking, to have this man's condition attended to and to assure him- self that the confusion and delay which have been exhibited in this case are exceptional and not customary?

Major TRYON

I have inquired into the facts of this case and am communicating the results in detail to the hon. Member, from which he will see that he has been misinformed as to certain material points. The case is one in which a complete operation was, in the opinion of all medical officers concerned in it, undesirable having regard to other factors affecting the man's condition. I am satisfied that no delay or confusion occurred in the treatment of this case.

Mr. MACLEAN

Is it not the case that at the very time when the right hon. and gallant Gentleman replied to my question dealing with this individual on the last occasion the statement the right hon. and gallant Gentleman has just made was being sent to the man in question granting him the whole of his treatment allowance; and is it not a fact that he has now been told that he has to go into the Western Infirmary to undergo his operation by the surgeon there, and that the surgeon in the Ministry's Bellahouston Hospital cannot perform the operation that it is necessary for this man to undergo owing to his wounds?

Major TRYON

I cannot, of course, reply at the moment to the allegations made in the supplementary question. I can only say that the charges against the doctors, as the hon. Member will see from the letter I am sending him, are unfounded.

Mr. MACLEAN

As the right hon. and gallant Gentleman has denied the statement in my previous question, is he now prepared to have an inquiry into this matter with the man in question present and also the doctor and myself?

Mr. SPEAKER

The right hon. and gallant Gentleman has already told the hon. Member that he is sending him the information.

Mr. MACLEAN

If the reply of the Minister had ended there I should not have taken the matter any further, but the right hon. and gallant Gentleman intimated that the facts stated in my previous question were not correct. I have here a document from the Ministry of Pensions which shows that the statements contained in my question were correct. I ask the right hon. and gallant Gentleman if he is prepared to have an inquiry into this case and examine the doctors at the Bellahouston Hospital? I await the right hon. and gallant Gentleman's reply.

Mr. SPEAKER

There are a large number of other questions on the Paper.

Mr. MACLEAN

The right hon. and gallant Gentleman cannot meet that charge.