§ MR. W. BENN (Tower Hamlets, St. George's)To ask the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been called to the statement of Hugh Craig that he is not in a fit condition to undergo an anæsthetic, as required by the War Office before granting a continuation of his pension; will he say whether the pension will be granted if Craig produces a medical certificate to this effect; and what provision would be made for those dependent on him should he succumb under the operation.
(Answered by Mr. Secretary Haldane.) An anæsthetic would not be administered unless it was considered safe by the medical authorities. The latter will be glad to receive any evidence that Craig is unfit to receive a general anæsthetic, but the ultimate decision as to whether he is or is not fit must rest with them. In the event of death under an anæsthetic I regret to say that the man's dependents would have no claim to compensation.