§ 21. Mr. NEWBOULDasked the Pensions Minister whether he is aware that as yet no decision has been arrived at in the case of Alfred Ernest Goose, late No. 987, Royal Field Artillery, who made application for a pension on 26th August, 1918; and if he can explain the delay?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of PENSIONS (Sir James Craig)The delay in arriving at 1240 a decision in Mr. Goose's case has been due to the fact that he allowed such a long time to elapse between the date of his discharge and the date of his first application for pension. Mr. Goose appears to have been discharged on the 7th November, 1914, but, as he cannot produce a discharge certificate, it has not been practicable to ascertain definitely the cause of his discharge. The military authorities are also unable to state the cause of his discharge, and no evidence can be obtained in support of his statement that the disability in respect of which he is claiming pension was caused by exposure during military service. At this late date it is exceedingly difficult to obtain evidence to enable a decision to be arrived at, and it was arranged last month to place all the facts as ascertained before the medical authorities of the Ministry with the view of having the man examined by a medical board who will report as to the man's condition and as to whether it can be regarded as attributable to service. When that report comes to hand the case will be considered and the result notified to all concerned.