§ 84. Earl WINTERTONasked the Minister of Pensions whether he will give instructions for Lance-Corporal Cyril James Andrews, No. 163,843, who is in receipt of a pension of 12s. a week under pension identity certificate No. S.F.O. 28,282, to go before a medical board without delay, as he has passed the examination and medical test as absolutely fit in all respects for entry 886 into the City of London police force, and is waiting to take up employment in that force?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY OF PENSIONS (Colonel Sir James Craig)Lance-Corporal Andrews was last examined by a Medical Board in October, 1919, and, as the pension then awarded to him runs for one year, he will not be re-examined until October, 1920. The Medical Boards of the Ministry of Pensions only examine men for the purpose of assessing the compensation due to them, and if Mr. Andrews has passed the medical tests imposed by the City of London Police authorities, the fact that he is in receipt of pension should be no bar to his employment.
§ Earl WINTERTONIs the hon. Gentle man aware that the City of London Police Regulations lay it down that no person in receipt of a pension can enter that force, and seeing that this man claims he is no longer suffering from the disability in respect of which the pension was granted, and is anxious to join this force, will he allow him to be re-examined?
§ Sir J. CRAIGMy Noble Friend will, I am sure, understand that our medical examination is not in regard to the prospect of employment, but is concerned with the disability from which the man suffered, and when this man comes up for reexamination, no doubt the medical officer will report if he is free from the disability.
§ Earl WINTERTONThis is a very hard case. Horn is a man who can get employment if the Minister will let him have a Medical Board. If not, he loses his chance.
§ Sir J. CRAIGThe matter is being inquired into, and we are trying to get into communication with the police authorities. Our concern, of course, is with the pension.