HC Deb 20 March 1919 vol 113 cc2205-6
8. Sir KINGSLEY WOOD

asked the Pensions Minister whether a reduction of 20 per cent. is made from the pensions of soldiers whilst inmates of a sanatorium, as also the sum of 7s. a week towards the cost of their treatment; and whether any reduction is also made in respect of national insurance benefit?

The MINISTER of PENSIONS (Sir Laming Worthington-Evans)

A disabled soldier tinder treatment in a sanatorium or other institution for an attributable disability receives an allowance at the maximum rate of pension, from which a deduction of 7s. a week is made, not for the cost of treatment, but for maintenance. The bonus of 20 per cent. is not added to the man's allowance, the reason of the exclusion of this class of case from the grant of bonus being that the deduction made for maintenance is so small as largely to relieve the man of the burden of the high cost of living which the bonus is designed to meet. With regard to the insurance benefit, I would refer my hon. Friend to Section 1 of the National Insurance (Part. I. Amendment Act), 1917.

9. Sir K. WOOD

asked the Pensions Minister whether any soldiers have to forfeit half their pensions for refusing sanatorium treatment, and in how many cases this has been done?

Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANS

Under Article 4 of the Royal Warrant half the pension awarded to a disabled man may be subject to the condition that he shall undergo medical treatment in an institution or otherwise where it is certified thatsuch treatment is necessary in his interests. Statistics of refusals have only been kept since July of last year. During the eight months between 1st July, 1918, and 28th February, 1919, 1,477 cases of refusal of treatment for tuberculosis have been brought to the notice of the Department, of which 71 are now under consideration. Of the 1,406 refusals dealt with it was only found necessary to impose the penalty in 99 cases.

Sir K. WOOD

Will my right hon. Friend state whether it is a fact that in London last year there were no less than 500 men who refused treatment on account of the unsatisfactory condition of the sanatoria?

Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANS

No, I cannot confirm that statement. I am not aware whether that is so or not.

Sir WATSON CHEYNE

Is it the best treatment for tuberculosis to diminish the food supply by one-half?

Lieutenant-Colonel RAW

May I ask if here is provision made for soldiers at the present time?

Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANS

That does not arise out of the question, but I have said already that I am not satisfied with the provision made and steps are being taken to improve it.

10. Sir K. WOOD

asked the Pensions Minister whether the committee to inquire into the question of sanatorium provision for soldiers has yet been set up; and, if so, whether he can state its terms of reference, and who compose the committee?

Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANS

I hope the announcement will be made within a few days.