§ 8. Dr. M'DONALDasked the Minister of Pensions if he will reconsider his attitude towards ex-service men who have been certified as suffering from tuberculosis shortly after their discharge from the Army on account of being unfit for further military service, and now considered ineligible for pension; whether he is aware that, while the health of some men is improved by service, the health of others is deteriorated, thus paving the way to tuberculosis; and whether cases of this character will be dealt with more sympathetically, notwithstanding the decision of any medical board examining these men months after their discharge?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONI am not aware that claims to pension on the ground of tuberculosis are unsympathetically considered. If the tuberculosis develops within a short period of discharge the disablement, is generally admitted to be either attributable to or aggravated by service, and even where the disease does not develop until after a considerable period the circumstances of the man's military service, and of its effect on his health, are carefully examined. If the Ministry are unable to accept his claim the man is advised of his right of appeal to an independent tribunal.