§ 16. Mr. NEWBOULDasked the Pensions Minister if he will explain why the 20 per cent. bonus is payable on disability pensions awarded under the warrants of 1917–18 and not on pensions granted under earlier warrants; and if he will say upon what authority the bonus is refused on the latter?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of PENSIONS (Colonel Sir James Craig)My right hon. Friend is looking into this matter, and I should be obliged if the hon. Member would repeat his question in a week or two.
§ 17. Mr. NEWBOULDasked the Pensions Minister if he will say whether a man who on dispersal was medically examined and assessed a 40 per cent. disability, and who transferred to Army Reserve, is entitled to pension; and, if not, will he give the number of the Army Order or Regulation under which his claim is invalid?
§ Sir J. CRAIGA man who on demobilisation and transfer to the Reserve is found to have a disability caused or aggravated by his military service is entitled to a pension or gratuity according to the extent of his incapacity. If he is refused pension by the Ministry on the ground that his disability was neither caused nor aggravated by service, he can appeal to the Pensions Appeal Tribunal.
§ Mr. HOGGECan the hon. and gallant Gentleman say whether the assessment by the medical officer on demobilisation as to the percentage of disability pension governs the pension, or whether it is decided later by the Ministry of Pensions without seeing the man?
§ Sir J. CRAIGIn the first instance, on demobilisation, as far as possible, the necessary form is filled up, but, where it is not, the medical referee is asked for his opinion, and on that opinion the pension is assessed.
§ Mr. HOGGEIs the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that, a very large number of men who were assessed a percentage disability on demobilisation are receiving less pension without seeing anyone?
§ Sir J. CRAIGNo; I do not think that is so.
§ Sir J. CRAIGI do not think it is so. Of course, the hon. Gentleman will understand that at present there is a great pressure on account of demobilisation, and, sooner than have cases delayed, we are doing everything we possibly can to catch up all cases on demobilisation, and any pensions awarded of a temporary nature will be reviewed at a later date after demobilisation.