§ 5. Mr. WATERSONasked the Minister of Pensions why the total pension of E. C. Hughes, late Private, No. 201176, l/4th Northants Regiment, has been totally stopped although, after many months' treatment for tuberculosis, he is only allowed to work three hours per day; and, seeing that he is married with a family dependent upon him, whether the decision can be expedited?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONThe medical authorities were unable to accept the disease from which this man is suffering as due to or aggravated by service. No award of pension can therefore be made, nor can continuance of the advances be authorised pending consideration of his claim. Private Hughes has, however, exercised his right of appeal against this decision; and when, with the assistance of his local committee, he has completed his evidence to his satisfaction, the papers will be forwarded to the Pensions Appeal Tribunal without delay.
§ Mr. WATERSONWill the right hon. Gentleman see that he gets some assistance?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONI will look into it. I am rather sympathetic, and will see whether anything can be done.