§ 5. Mr. FOREMANasked the Pensions Minister if he will inform the House how many soldiers totally blinded in the War are now in receipt of pensions; whether there are any such blinded soldiers who are not reveiving pensions; if so, how many; if he will state the reasons for such non-receipt of pensions; whether any responsibility is accepted by his Ministry for keeping in touch with such blinded men, even if they do not receive pensions, to see that they do not fall on evil days; what is the maximum weekly pension for disablement by blindness; and if any investigations are made to ascertain if it is adequate?
§ Major TRYONApproximately 1,300 soldiers discharged for total blind- ness have been pensioned under the Royal Warrant, and 110 have been refused pensions. The latter are men whose blindness arose from causes not connected with their military service or was due to their own serious negligence or misconduct. All men discharged for blindness are sent to "St. Dunstan's" (or in Scotland to Newington House, Edinburgh), where they are trained in new occupations, suitable to their condition, before returning to their homes. After their return the institutions mentioned continue to keep in touch with them by means of local representatives. The disablement pension for total blindness varies from 40s. to 60s., according to rank, together with a constant attendant allowance of 10s. to 20s. a week, a wife's allowance of 10s. a week, and additional allowances for children.
§ Mr. PEMBERTON BILLINGCan the hon. and gallant Member say what is being done with the 110 odd blinded men who have not been pensioned; whether anything is being done for them, or whether they are being thrown on the rates?
§ Major TRYONIf they are at St. Dun- stan's they are provided for.
§ Mr. BILLINGWhat can they do after they leave St. Dunstan's?
Colonel LOWTHERIs it a fact that no provision is made for blind men who have lost their sight in the service of their country?
§ Major TRYONIf they lose their sight in the service of their country they are provided for.
Mr. PALMERIs the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that a blind procession is now approaching London, men who have been blinded in the War, and have they hopes of a sympathetic reception at his hands?
§ Major TRYONIf they have been blinded in the service of their country during the War, they are, of course, entitled to pensions.