HC Deb 24 April 1917 vol 92 cc2201-2
13. Mr. PENNEFATHER

asked the Minister of Pensions whether men, previously discharged or rejected, who are called up after re-examination under the Review of Exemptions Act will, if subsequently discharged as unfit, be entitled to any special consideration in regard to pensions or gratuities?

The MINISTER of PENSIONS (Mr. Barnes)

The cases to which my hon. Friend alludes will be considered with the same care and sympathy as other cases of men invalided from the Navy or Army. No special scale is proposed for them.

14. Mr. PENNEFATHER

asked the Minister of Pensions whether a soldier who has been discharged as unfit and who claims that his unfitness has been caused or aggravated by military service will have any right of appeal if his claim is disputed; if so, will he state the particulars of the right of appeal; and if the fact that he was passed into the Army as fit will be regarded as prima facie evidence that his unfitness on discharge was in some way attributable to military service?

Mr. BARNES

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given by me to the hon. Member for East Edinburgh on the 17th instant, from which it will be seen that I have promised to make an announcement on the subject at the end of this month.

Mr. PENNEFATHER

Will the right. hon. Gentleman answer the last portion of my question?

Mr. BARNES

That matter has not yet been taken specially into consideration, but it will be.