§ 5. Mr. C. WHITEasked the Minister of Pensions whether he will reconsider the case of ex-Private Wilfred Stevenson, No. 36621, late 16th York and Lancaster Regiment, who was severely injured on the 22nd February, 1919, while serving in the Army, but doing work under military orders and officers at the Tyne Docks, North Eastern Railway, South 609 Shields; whether he is aware that this man was refused a pension on 15th October, 1919, by the Ministry of Pensions, on the ground that he was in civil employment at the time the accident occurred, though he was in uniform and returned to camp and drill, and lived in billets or barracks during the time he was engaged in this so-called civil employment; that after the accident occurred, he was sent as a soldier to the War Hospital, Sunderland, where he underwent seven operations, and was detained there till 4th July, 1919, when he was discharged physically unfit; that this man has had to be operated on monthly since his discharge, which necessitates a long railway journey and a good deal of expense; and whether under the circumstances, he will make further inquiry into this case, with a view to a pension or grant being made?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONThis man belonged to a Transport Workers' Battalion specially raised for duty at ports in the United Kingdom. Such men when engaged by civil employers were under contract entitling them to local civilian rates of pay in lieu of Army pay and allowances, including pension rights. At the time of his unfortunate accident, the man was drawing civil pay. He is not, therefore, eligible for pension or gratuity under the Royal Warrant, and can only be dealt with under the Workmen's Compensation Acts.
§ Mr. MACPHERSONI do not know. That is not within my purview. I will make inquiries, and communicate the result to my hon. and gallant Friend.
§ Mr. WHITEIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the man cannot claim benefit under the Compensation Act because now, owing to the higher wages, he is getting more than he was prior to enlistment, though he is still suffering?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONI shall be very happy to look into this case. This man is unfortunately one of those who elected to be paid by civilian rates of pay instead of Army pay.
§ Mr. WHITEBut he was not only trained in this work, but he was trained as a soldier and drilled in all the other departments?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONYes, but I must point out that this man accepted the civilian rates of pay, instead of the Army rates, and lost his pension rights. Therefore under the Royal Warrant he is precluded from getting a pension from the Ministry of Pensions. I shall be very happy to look further into the case.