§ 29. Mr. HUME-WILLIAMSasked the Secretary of State for War whether soldiers discharged from the Army with a pension on account of wounds are left to pay, out of their pension, for any subsequent medical treatment that the wounds may require; and, if so, whether provision will be made for gratuitous treatment for discharged soldiers in so far as they suffer from the direct effect of wounds received in the War?
§ Mr. FORSTERSoldiers discharged from the Army on account of wounds can, on application to the secretary of the Royal Hospital, Chelsea, obtain treatment in a military hospital provided there is a reasonable probability that their disability will be cured or materially improved thereby. While in the hospital their pension is raised to the full amount allowed for total disablement and any allowance for children born before discharge to which they may be entitled. A stoppage of Is. per day is made for maintenance while they are in hospital.
§ Mr. HUME-WILLIAMSCould not the same arrangement be made applicable to people in country districts who cannot get up to Chelsea Hospital?
§ Mr. FORSTERYes, the same arrangement would apply, and accommodation would naturally be found for them in the most convenient military hospital.
§ Mr. HUME-WILLIAMSWhere ought they to apply?
§ Mr. FORSTERApply by letter to the Secretary of the Royal Hospital, Chelsea.
§ Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKEThen, are we to understand that the allowances to wives and children still go on?
§ Mr. FORSTERNo. Where they are in receipt of pension, of course there is no separation allowance.
§ Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKEBut the pension still goes on?
§ Mr. FORSTERYes. The hon. Member will see, when he reads my answer tomorrow, that while in the hospital their pension is raised to the maximum.
Mr. W.ARDLEIs it the practice of the War Office to discharge a man who is suffering from wounds before being admitted to a hospital?
§ Mr. FORSTERNo; these are cases where the wound breaks out afresh, or some further disability arises after discharge.