§ 85. Lieutenant-Colonel DALRYMPLE WHITEasked the Pensions Minister if he can give a decision in the case of Mr. A. Pearce, late No. 243886, No. 416 Company, Agricultural Corps, of 46, Railway Terrace, Southport, who met with a severe accident whilst serving with the Agricultural Corps, but is only receiving compensation as an agricultural labourer under the Work men's Compensation Act; and whether this man and others similarly situated who were compulsorily transferred to the Agricultural Corps can be granted soldiers pensions?
§ Sir J. CRAIGThe regulations governing the rights of soldiers injured while on agricultural work have varied from time to time, but it is now found possible to deal with Mr. Pearce's case under Army Council Instruction 851 of 1916, which permits, him to receive Army pension or compensation, under the Workmen's Compensation Act, whichever is higher. In the particular circumstances of his case it is doubtful whether pension would benefit him, the amount he has received up to the present as compensation being in excess of what could have been awarded him under the Warrant. If he receives pension he will be granted arrears from the date of his discharge, but he will have to refund by instalments the amounts he has received as compensation.