HC Deb 15 July 1920 vol 131 cc2561-2
2. Captain COOTE

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware of the position in which disabled British nurses who have served with the forces of Allied Powers are placed; that these ladies have been refused pension upon the ground that they did not serve under contract with the British military authorities; that they are not pensioned by the governments with whose forces they served; and whether he is prepared to consider bonâ fide cases of hardship due to these facts?

The MINISTER of PENSIONS (Mr. Macpherson)

These ladies undertook service direct with Allied Governments or with organisations of Allied countries, and are not therefore eligible for compensation in respect of disabilities incurred during such service, under the terms of the Pensions Warrants administered by my Department. I regret, therefore, that I am unable to accept the suggestion of my hon. and gallant Friend.

Captain COOTE

Is the right hon. Gentleman not able to recommend the alteration of this Warrant, or, alternatively, will he make advances to the Allied Governments, with a view to securing that these ladies shall not be left in penury?

Mr. MACPHERSON

I am afraid it is not possible for me to alter the Warrant, but I am prepared to do everything in my power to convey the facts to the Governments concerned.