21. Sir F. HALLasked the Pensions Minister whether he is aware that Private F. Burrell, No. 2689, of the 2/24th London Regiment (The Queen's), was passed fit for service as an A1 man and joined the Army on 5th September, 1914, and was discharged on 13th July, 1915, as no longer physically fit; that after repeated correspondence it was ascertained that about two months ago the case was referred to the Appeal Tribunal; that up to the present time this discharged soldier has received neither pension nor gratuity; and will he take steps to have the case settled without further delay?
§ Sir J. CRAIGI have ascertained from the Pension Appeal Tribunal that this case is due to be heard on Monday week.
Sir F. HALLHas there not been an enormous and unnecessary delay in this case, and will the hon. and gallant Gentleman take steps to speed up the machinery so that such delays will not occur again in the future?
§ Sir J. CRAIGMy hon. and gallant Friend is aware that the local pensions committee and the medical referee in this case do not agree, and there is an appeal; consequently there has been delay, and this cannot be helped until we are able to extend the number of appeal tribunals.