§ 13. Mr. RICHARDSasked the Pensions Minister what is the number of cases of permanently disabled sailors and soldiers who have already received disablement treatment in South Wales and Monmouthshire who are now receiving such treatment, and who are awaiting treatment, respectively; what institutions under direct control of the Government exist in Wales for affording such treatment; whether, having regard to the dissatisfaction which exists in consequence of the delay which is taking place in the treatment and training of sailors and soldiers. in Wales, the immediate provision of further institutions is contemplated; what are the functions of the South Wales Joint Pensions (Disablement Committee; whether it has been provided with any Imperial funds for carrying on its work; and, if not, whether he will consider the advisability of entrusting the committee and other similar committees with the spending of Imperial funds in the provision and maintenance of after care and training institutions, with a view to the Ministry of Pensions, whilst retaining its full right of supervision, being relieved of work which can be better and more expeditiously undertaken by such committees in the several areas over which they exercise jurisdiction?
§ Mr. HODGEI have no information as to the number in a given locality of discharged men under treatment who are permanently disabled as distinct from those temporarily disabled. The number of disabled men of both classes who are at present receiving treatment in South Wales and Monmouthshire under conditions which entitle them to the full 1291 allowances proided by Article 4 (1) of the Royal Warrant is 418, but the total number of men under treatment, including out-patient treatment, would be substantially larger than this figure. The institutions available for such treatment which are at present directly under the control of a Department of State in Wales number eighty-six, but it is given also in many civil hospitals and institutions. As regards the provision of further institutions to which the hon. Member refers, this is in hand and will. I hope, presently secure another 500 beds.
The South Wales Joint (Disablement) Committee possesses under the Naval and Military War Pensions Act, 1915, such functions as may be delegated to it by the constitutent local committees, and these functions include that of making arrangements for treatment or training with institutions which are designed to serve extended areas. It is the policy of the Department to use the joint disablement committees as agents for the provision and maintenance of new institutions.
Mr. HUGH EDWARDSIn view of the fact that these joint disablement committees in South Wales are so heavily involved in work, can the right hon. Gentleman not see his way to give them some financial assistance?