HC Deb 10 November 1921 vol 148 cc571-2
2. Captain BOWYER

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he will inquire into the case of Mr. H. J. Lawrence, late Labour Corps (Ministry of Pensions, reference No. 11/M/359,574), who is still under treatment at Headington Hospital, Oxford, for a gunshot wound; whether he is aware that this man is married, has one child, and receives only 7s. 6d. per week; that he has to wear irons on his leg, and is not able to earn a penny; will he do his best to get this pension increased; and, in the alternative, has Mr. Lawrence no other remedy than to appeal to the Pensions Appeal Tribunal?

Mr. MACPHERSON

This man is not receiving treatment for the disability arising from the gunshot wound, for which he is being compensated at the rate mentioned. Treatment was provided in advance as a matter of urgency for another disability in respect of which he made claim to pension, and although after full consideration of all the circumstances it was not found possible to admit this claim, the treatment is still being continued as a special concession. The only right of appeal against this refusal of pension is to the Pensions Appeal Tribunal.

Captain BOWYER

Is it not a fact that this man, entirely through a wound received in the War, has now to wear irons on his leg, and how can a man support a wife and child on 7s. 6d. a week?

Mr. MACPHERSON

This case was only brought to my notice this morning, as my hon. Friend knows. I will look into it personally.

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