§ 5. Captain LOSEBYasked the Minister of Pensions if he is aware that soldiers wounded prior to 1914, to whom permanent 2351 pensions at the highest rate were awarded prior to that date, have in certain cases been informed that they are not entitled to any increase; and if, in view of the uncertainty that prevails in regard to their position, he will consider the advisability of giving wider publicity to the instructions recently issued which affect them s
§ Sir J. CRAIGThe fact stated in the first part of this question is no doubt correct. Many men who are pensioned for disabilities incurred in former wars are now restored to health; or are so much improved that a re-assessment under present Warrants would not be to their advantage. They have, however, their rights to permanent pensions under the former Warrants, and notwithstanding their recovery they continue to draw their permanent pensions, but they are not entitled to any increase. In the notice which was issued to the Press in July last, following the announcement of the concessions in this House, it was made clear that pensions could only be granted on the basis of the existing degree of incapacity. I will, however, give further prominence to the fact by advertisement in the ex-service men's papers.
§ Captain LOSEBYIs the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that there is considerable dissatisfaction with the manner that this particular class of pension has been assessed by the Medical Board, and will he consider the advisability of a personal inquiry into this particular class of case?
§ Sir J. CRAIGThe hon. and gallant Member will bear in mind that he asked the Minister himself two questions on this particular complaint, and my right hon. Friend dealt very fully with them. I think, on the whole, there has been no dissatisfaction. But if my hon. and gallant Friend brings to my notice any case, harsh or in which there appears ground of complaint, I shall immediately give it my personal attention.