HC Deb 28 October 1920 vol 133 cc1908-9
60. Mr. STANTON

asked the Prime Minister if he is aware that boards of guardians in South Wales have carried a resolution to the effect that, where men who on enlistment into the naval, military, or air forces were passed fit for service have been discharged, and are still suffering from disability, they should continue to receive a pension, and not have to apply for poor law assistance and become chargeable to local rates; and will he consider this suggestion?

Mr. MACPHERSON

I have been asked to reply to this question. My attention has not been called to the resolution referred to. All men who on discharge are found to be suffering from a disability due to War service receive a pension or gratuity appropriate to the extent of their disablement in accordance with the terms of the Royal Warrant. If any cases come before a board of guardians in which it appears that the disability, being due to War service, pension has not been awarded, or has been assessed at less than the rate appropriate to the extent of the disablement, the board or their officers should instruct the man to apply to his Local War Pensions Committee so that his case may be investigated in the prescribed way, and may themselves represent the facts of the case to the Regional Director.

Mr. BRIANT

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in many cases if a man is referred to the War Pensions Committee he will probably starve before he gets anything at all? Is he aware that in many cases these men have received no relief, and if the Poor Law had not come to their assistance their wives and children would have been near to starvation?

Mr. MACPHERSON

If an application be made to the War Pensions Committee, they have power to advance the money in certain cases.

Mr. Mr. BRIANT

They do not do it.

Mr. MACPHERSON

Then they ought to do it.