§ 27. Mr. Gallacherasked the Minister of Pensions if he is aware that Mr. Douglas J. Rennie, 97, Centre Street, Kelty, Fife, aged 29, after five years' service in the Army, from January, 1940, to March, 1945, during which period his left leg was amputated, has been refused pension on the grounds that the disease from which he is suffering is not attributable to, nor aggravated by, war service; and, as Mr. Rennie is unfit to work, if he will reconsider this case with a view to awarding a pension.
§ The Minister of Pensions (Mr. Wilfred Paling)As I have explained to the hon. Member in letters sent to him on 12th June and 3rd July, the amputation of the left leg during service was part of the necessary treatment for an organic bone disease, which my medical advisers were satisfied was unrelated to Mr. Rennie's war service. My decision was upheld by the pensions appeal tribunal.
§ Mr. GallacherIs it not the case that when the country was in need this man gave ready and loyal service, and now that he is in such great need following his terrible afflictions, will the country not give some service to him? Why should the Minister continue this sort of mean, Tory, contemptible behaviour towards the lads who served the country so well?
§ Mr. John LewisDoes not the Minister think that it is about time that he accepted the principle, "Fit for service, fit for pension"?
§ Mr. PalingThat has been turned down by the Government on previous occasions. I have to give pensions according to the Royal Warrant and I have no power to go outside it.
§ Mr. GallacherChange it.
§ Mr. PrittCan the Minister tell us whether there is not discretionary power expressly given in the Royal Warrant which enables him to go behind it?
§ Mr. BerryWould the Minister ascertain whether his medical advisers are as competent as the medical advisers who passed this man as fit for service in the Army?
§ Mr. PalingThis case has been before not only my medical advisers but those of the tribunal, and I might add that the principle underlying this case has also been before the High Court.
Dr. TaylorIs it not an unfortunate fact that many of these organic bone diseases are not attributable to war service?
§ Mr. HoyWould the right hon. Gentleman reconsider this decision in view of the decision given in the Scottish law courts within the last few days?
§ Mr. PalingI am considering it, but whether it relates to this is a different matter.
§ Mr. M. LindsayIs not this treatment of an ex-Serviceman at variance with the propaganda of the hon. Gentleman's party at the last Election?
§ Hon. Members: No.
§ Mr. GallacherIn view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I give notice of my intention to raise the matter on the Adjournment.