HC Deb 04 March 1919 vol 113 cc206-7
76. Mr. HOGGE

asked the Pensions Minister whether he is aware that discharged soldiers who are receiving treat- ment in military hospitals are required to wear military uniform and to conform to military discipline; whether such men are refused the usual half-fare railway warrants issuable by the military authorities to men desiring to visit their families; and whether he will consider the question of extending this privilege to pensioner inmates of military hospitals?

Sir J. CRAIG

Pensioners are, as a rule, put into military hospital clothing (blue) and, in the interests of discipline, they have to conform to the same rules as other patients in military hospitals. The question of granting further travelling facilities to disabled men under treatment in hospitals or other institutions is now under consideration.

77. Sir K. WOOD

asked the Pensions Minister whether he has now arranged to increase the grant in cases of discharged soldiers and sailors dying from disability due to service so as to render unnecessary application to the Poor Law authorities in respect of the expenses of their funerals?

Sir J. CRAIG

The question of increasing the grant is still under consideration.

Sir K. WOOD

Pending my hon. Friend's decision are applications to be made to the Poor Law authorities for grants in respect of the burial of discharged soldiers and sailors?

Sir J. CRAIG

The question is receiving the careful personal attention of the Minister himself.

Sir K. WOOD

When will he come to a decision?

Sir J. CRAIG

I hope that the right hon. Gentleman will be here on Thursday to answer any questions of the hon. Member.