HC Deb 12 June 1917 vol 94 cc753-4
17. Mr. SHAW

asked the Pensions Minister whether he has received any communication from the War Pensions Committee at Kilmarnock regarding the case of Driver Carson, Army Service Corps, who, after service in France, was refused a pension on the ground that his disability arose from his experiences on the "Lusitania" several months previously, when on his way to enlist voluntarily in the Army; what reply has been given; and whether the Pensions Ministry have arrived at any decision with regard to this man on consideration of all the circumstances now put before them?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of PENSIONS (Colonel Sir A. Griffith-Boscawen)

The case referred to in the hon. Member's question is one in which the Minister of Pensions regrets that there has been much delay due to difficulty in getting information. A gratuity had originally been awarded, but on reconsideration the case has been held to be one in which there was aggravation due to service, and a pension has been granted. The pension is 15s. a week from 12th January, 1917 (the day after discharge) to 3rd April, 1917 (the date of the new warrant), and 22s. a week from 4th April, 1917, to 4th April, 1918, when the matter will be reviewed.