§ 98. MR. SEDDONasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that W. H. Reece, late No. 29840, South Wales Borderers, is in receipt of parish relief owing to the fact that his disablement allowance is disallowed, respite the fact that he passed as fit for the Army, five doctors, class A, and is now incapacitated and unable to support himself, wife, and seven children?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of PENSIONS (Colonel Sir James Craig)I have been asked to answer this question. Mr. Reece was with the South Wales Borderers for less than four months, and was then transferred to the Labour Corps, from which he was invalided on 5th March, 1918. He was awarded a final weekly allowance of 5s. 6d. for twenty-two weeks. He has been given the opportunity of establishing his claim to pension before the Appeal Tribunal. His case was heard on 12th May last, and the tribunal decided against him. This decision must be regarded as final.
§ Mr. SEDDONIs the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that this man had five medical certificates before he entered the Army, and at the present time his health is broken; he has a wife and seven children, and he is now dependent upon Poor Law charity? Does the hon. and gallant Gentleman think that fit treatment to give to a man who, whatever may be the duration of his service, went to serve his Country?
§ Sir J. CRAIGI assure my hon. Friend that I regret exceedingly to hear of the sad circumstances of the man, but we have to work inside the Royal Warrant. Under the Royal Warrant the Minister set up an independent tribunal to investigate these particular cases quite free from Ministerial interference. The tribunal hoard this man's case and were not able to do other than stated. Their decision must always be regarded as final.
§ Mr. SEDDONDoes not the hon. and gallant Gentleman think that the time has arrived when the Warrant should be altered rather than that such a disgraceful state of things should exist in this country?
§ Sir J. CRAIGWell, of course, in the meantime what is the use of the Royal Warrant? If, however, any alteration is made by this House, I can assure the hon. gentleman that nobody will be more glad than I myself.
§ Captain Sir B. STANIERIs this case being reconsidered or will it be?
§ Sir J. CRAIGTo reopen cases which have been decided by the tribunal, I am afraid, would make the proceedings interminable. We must have finality.