HC Deb 19 February 1919 vol 112 cc924-5
27. Major Earl WINTERTON

asked the Secretary for War if he is aware that ex-Private George Harland, No. 3313, 7th Dragoon Guards, resident in Worthing, who joined the Army in November, 1886, and served in South Africa, contracting there chronic asthma, from which he is now suffering, is receiving a pension of 1s. per day; and, if so, what steps will be taken to pay him a pension commensurate with the sacrifice of health that he has made?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of PENSIONS (Sir James Craig)

Private George Harland was discharged to the Reserve on 17th November, 1902, on termination of his engagement, and not as an invalid. Six years later he applied for a pension on the ground that he was unable to work through ill-health, and was found by a Medical Board to be suffering from bronchitis, to which, in the opinion of the Board, exposure on active service might have contributed. He was awarded a pension of 1s. a day, the full amount allowed in the circumstances under the Royal Pay Warrant. The increase of pension provided by the recent Warrants for the soldiers of former wars can only be granted for disability due "directly or wholly to service," and in the opinion of the Medical Branch of the Ministry this condition cannot, in the case of Private Harland, be regarded as fulfilled. As, however, there may be some doubt in this case my right hon. Friend has directed that the claimant shall be offered the opportunity of appealing before a Medical Board for re-examination.

Earl WINTERTON

Will the result of the Board be communicated by the hon. and gallant Gentleman?

Sir J. CRAIG

The Noble Lord will understand that if the appeal has been tried the man will be able to tell the Noble Lord what has happened.

Earl WINTERTON

Can the hon. Gentleman not extend the same courtesy to me?

Sir J. CRAIG

Certainly, but the hon. Gentleman will understand that there are many cases.