HC Deb 26 February 1920 vol 125 cc1876-7
4. Captain LOSEBY

asked the Pensions Minister if he will make a statement clearly defining the practice of his Department in regard to the assessment of pensions in cases in which it would appear that part of the disability was attributable and part was not attributable to military service?

Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANS

If the hon. and gallant Member is referring to the case of a man suffering from two disabilities, one of which is attributable to or aggravated by service, and the other not so attributable or aggravated, pension is awarded in respect of that disability which is connected, either wholly or in part, with military service. In the case of a man who suffered from a disability prior to enlistment, and on or after discharge is found to be suffering from the same disability in an aggravated form, the increase in disablement is considered attributable to military service, and pension is assessed on the total extent of the disability.

5. Captain LOSEBY

asked the Pensions Minister if he is aware that since the increase in the rate of pensions many totally-disabled men have been deprived of the constant-attendant allowance, the value of the increased pensions rate being thereby largely nullified; and if he will consider the advisability of issuing a clear statement to the effect that this practice is without authority and is against the spirit of the pensions Regulations?

Sir. L. WORTHINGTON-EVANS

The conditions for the grant of constant attendance allowance have not been altered, and I am not aware that any totally-disabled men who are entitled to that allowance have been deprived of it in consequence of the recent increase in the rate of pension. If, however, any specific case has come to the notice of the hon. and gallant Member and he will let me have particulars, I will have inquiries made.

Captain LOSEBY

Will the right hon. Gentleman take steps to circulate his reply widely, for the guidance of tribunals?

Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANS

The local committees know perfectly well that the Regulations have not been altered. I can hardly inform them that they have not been altered. They would be told if they had been altered.