HC Deb 14 December 1922 vol 159 cc3114-5
23. Mr. SHORT

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware that William Smith, case 6/MS/7064, late of 71, Meeting Street, Wednesbury, recently died from pulmonary tuberculosis in the Moxley sanatorium, Wednesbury; whether the medical board of 10th June, 1921, stated that his disability was 100 per cent, and attributable to war service; whether his application for a pension was rejected by the Pensions Appeal Tribunal; and whether, having regard to his death from pulmonary tuberculosis, he will have this case fully investigated with a view to his widow being granted a pension?

Major TRYON

As I informed the hon. Member on the 30th November, the decision of the Ministry rejecting the late soldier's claim to pension was confirmed on appeal by the Pensions Appeal Tribunal. Any application for pension made by the widow will receive full consideration.

25. Captain WEDGWOOD BENN

asked the Minister of Pensions whether his attention has been called to the case of an ex-service man who, with long service in the Territorial Force and being passed fit at the outbreak of War, has on developing tuberculosis since his discharge been refused pension, although there is no family history of the disease; whether the medical board who refused his appeal was able from the evidence to suggest any more probable cause than exposure in the trenches for contracting the disease in this case; and whether there is no provision for helping, through the Pensions Ministry, this man who is now very seriously ill?

Major TRYON

In the particular case which the hon. and gallant Member has in mind, the Ministry were unable to find that the disability was connected with service, and the claim to pension had accordingly to be rejected. This decision was subsequently confirmed by the independent Pensions Appeal Tribunal, and I regret, therefore, that I am precluded from granting assistance from Ministry funds.

Captain BENN

Can the Ministry do nothing for this man who was in perfect health when the War started, and is now dying, and cannot last many months longer?

Major TRYON

If my hon. and gallant Friend will communicate with me, I will see if anything can be done. But under the law our efforts are limited to cases in which the disablement is due to War.