HC Deb 24 February 1919 vol 112 cc1379-81
79. Mr. W. CARTER

asked the Pensions Minister whether Private A. Plowright, No. 21296, late Royal Welsh Fusiliers, was passed into the Army on the 27th January, 1915, Class A1, and was discharged on the 17th January, 1915, medically unfit for further military service; that his panel doctor states that he only consulted him once for some trivial ailment; that his employer states that he lost no time through sickness while in his employ; that he is now dying of consumption and has been suffering from tuberculosis ever since he was discharged from the Army; that he was discharged as suffering from hammer-toes; and that the Appeal Tribunal have decided that the man's present condition is not attributable to his military service; and, if so, will he ask the Appeal Tribunal to reconsider their decision?

Sir J. CRAIG

All the evidence in this case has been most carefully considered by the Pension Appeal Tribunal, who unanimously decided that Mr. Plowright's unfitness was not attributable to or aggravated by military service in consequence of the present War. They were unable to accept his contention that the tubercu- losis (which originated nearly a year after discharge) was either caused or aggravated by his four months' military service. My right hon. Friend regrets, therefore, that he is unable to take any further action in the matter.

Mr. CARTER

Are we to understand that there is no hope for this unfortunate man who suffered no symptoms of this deadly disease before he entered His Majesty's Forces?

Sir J. CRAIG

With all the sympathy in the world, I can only repeat that the Appeal Tribunal had the whole of the facts before them, and they decided that the disease could not be considered attributable to the four months' service he had in the War.

Mr. A. WILLIAMS

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the Appeal Tribunals have often given such decisions and have afterwards changed their opinions?

Sir J. CRAIG

I think my hon. Friend is mixing up the Appeals Tribunals with the medical boards from which the appeals are taken.

Mr. A. WILLIAMS

I mean the medical boards.

Mr. HOGGE

Could my hon. and gallant Friend help this man's case through the Special Grants Committee?

Sir J. CRAIG

I would like to have notice of that question. I am not quite sure what can be done for a man if he has been turned down by the Appeal Tribunal.

Sir F. HALL

Is not the date of attestation taken as the datum line with regard to the condition of a man's health, and, if he was passed A1 when he was attested and only suffered disability after that date, can the hon. and gallant Gentleman say on what ground the authorities turned him down and said that the disease was not attributable to his service?

Sir J. CRAIG

I can only assure my hon. and gallant Friend that when the case was brought before the Appeal Tribunal every possible avenue was explored. The independent chairman and the capable men who assist and help him assure us that everything possible is done, and that all the facts are brought out before the tribunal.

Sir F. HALL

In view of the importance of this matter, I would like to ask permission to put a further question?

Mr. SPEAKER

The hon. and gallant Member had better put down any further questions.