HC Deb 23 September 1915 vol 74 cc564-6
56. Mr. PETO

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether a recent Army Order applicable to wounded men recovering makes it obligatory for men who are passed as fit for light duty to walk morning and afternoon and therefore stops week-end furlough and all entertainment of the men collectively; and whether he will leave some discretion in the matter to officers commanding?

Mr. TENNANT

The hon. Gentleman will, I think recognise the desirability in the interests of the Army and of the men themselves, of soldiers who have been discharged from hospital as "fit for light duty" being brought, as early as possible, up to the standard of "fit for duty." This is the sole object of the instructions referred to in the question. Officers in command of the depots will, I am sure, apply the instructions in a reasonable manner, and I do not think that it can be said that this daily exercise stops all collective entertainment.

Mr. PETO

Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind the point that the order that daily exercise should take place on Saturday afternoon as well as on other days of the week prevents commanding officers from giving any week-end furlough?

Mr. TENNANT

I will consider that.

57. Mr. PETO

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he will consider the advisability of appointing county boards to look after soldiers discharged from hospital, to which a detailed medical report could be made, and who should have power to decide, within limits, the rate of pay and allowance necessary in each case to ensure the men reasonable conditions for a fair chance of complete recovery?

Mr. FORSTER

If my hon. Friend refers to soldiers discharged from hospital, I do not think the proposal he makes is necessary. On discharge from hospital a soldier, if still requiring medical care, is sent to an auxiliary hospital which is in the nature of a convalescent home. He is there carefully looked after and his full pay is continued. If he is discharged on furlough to proceed to his home he receives a free travelling warrant and an advance of £1. While at home he draws his full pay and also allowances, varying from 1s. to 2s. a day, in addition to any separation allow- ance previously payable. If he is discharged as permanently unfit it is the duty of the Chelsea Commissioners to assess and award a pension which varies with the degree of disability in accordance with the scale recommended by the Select Committee and adopted by the House.

Mr. PETO

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether, in the case of a single man, a separation allowance is not given, and the whole pay and allowances will amount to as low a sum as 10s. 6d. a week in many cases?

Mr. FORSTER

In the case of an unmarried man, in which no separation allowance is issued, he draws a special allowance of 2s. a day, in addition to his pay.

Colonel YATE

Is it a fact that if a man is sent convalescent to his own home his wife continues to draw her separation allowance?

Mr. FORSTER

Yes, she does.