§ 86. Sir K. WOODasked the Pensions Minister whether a mine-sweeper who had suffered exposure from his ship being torpedoed and was suffering from tuberculosis has recently been refused treatment in advanced accommodation at the cost of the Ministry of Pensions on the ground that he is not a regular naval rating; and whether he proposes to take any action in this and similar cases?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of PENSIONS (Colonel Sir James Craig)Without particulars I am unable to identify the case to which my hon. Friend refers. The position generally is that a member of the Mercantile Marine can be given treatment at the expense of the Ministry on the same conditions as a naval rating if he signed on for the period of the War and was under naval discipline.