HC Deb 19 February 1920 vol 125 cc1010-2
8. Lieut.-Colonel Sir JOHN HOPE

asked why the Midlothian Local Pensions Committee on 18th June, 1919, were ordered to stop paying £1 9s. 7d. per week to Mrs. Maclaren, Dalkeith, and in future only to pay 5s. 6d. per week; whether he is aware that Mrs. Maclaren has three young children to support and is the widow of Private T. Maclaren, No. 303,407, 1/8th Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, whose death, on 4th January, 1919, was certified by the local Medical Officer to be the result of a wound received in action?

sir L WORTHINGTON-EVANS

Private Maclaren was discharged in August, 1917, for gun-shot wound in the right leg, and received a pension of 11s. weekly. He died in January, 1919, from gastric ulcers pericarditis and heart failure, disabilities which in the opinion of my medical advisors were not connected with his wound or with his military service. In these circumstances the advances provisionally made by the local committee could not be continued, and the widow was awarded a pension of 5s. 6d. a week under Article 17 of the Royal Warrant. In view, however, of further evidence which has been submitted, the case is now being re-investigated. I will see that the decision is not delayed. If the decision is unfavourable to the widow, she will be able to appeal to the Appeal Tribunal.

Sir J. HOPE

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that I have a copy here of the certificate of the local practitioner, and there is no mention of heart failure? Will he consider the giving of this woman a living pension pending a settlement? She has now been eight months in receipt of 5s. 6d., although all the evidence is in favour of the husband having died as a result of the wounds.

Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANS

This shows the extreme difficulty of laymen dealing with medical certificates. My officer's report confirms to some extent my hon. and gallant Friend, and I really must act upon the medical advice I get, subject to this, that the widow, if a final pension is refused, she has the right to appeal to an independent tribunal.

Sir J. HOPE

How can she possibly live on 5s. 6d. a week in the meantime with three children?

Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANS

I am only at liberty to give pensions in accordance with the Warrant and not outside it. If she is entitled to it she will get it, but if not hers will be an extremely hard case like many other civilians.

Sir J. HOPE

Then if she is entitled, why cannot she get it meanwhile?

Mr. A. WILLIAMS

Where should hard cases apply to, meanwhile?

Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANS

There are certainly hard cases dealt with by the Special Grants Committee, but there are other hard cases outside all possible Government assistance, and they have as in civilian cases to look elsewhere.

Mr. WILLIAMS

Have not the local War Pensions Committee general powers to deal with hard cases?

Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANS

They have a certain discretion, but they are not entitled, if an allowance has been refused, to continue to pay it.

Mr. WILLIAMS

Will the right hon. Gentleman try to get powers to deal with these hard cases while the inquiry is being made?