HC Deb 14 December 1922 vol 159 cc3115-6
28. Lieut.-Colonel Sir W. ALLEN

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware of the case of the widow of Sergeant James Reilly, No. 14636, late 23, Bridge Street, Lurgan, who enlisted in September, 1914, in the 9th Royal Irish Fusiliers, and served until 1919 in France and Belgium, was demobilised in March, 1919, and on demobilisation had to have the attendance of the local doctor for heart trouble as the result of War service, and was granted a pension for self and wife of 11s. 4d. per week, afterwards increased to 17s. 4d. as the result of a medical board examination; that his pension was granted up to the day of his death, 4th July, 1921, and after his death 28s. per week was granted to his widow: that his medical attendant certified death as due to cerebral hæmorrhage as the result of affection of his heart and arteries, and that there was no doubt that his death was caused by War service; will he say if his widow received a dependant's allowance until November, 1921; if this pension ceased, and why; and if the tribunal before which the case was heard examined the local doctor as to the cause of death before pronouncing his widow ineligible?

Major TRYON

The cause of death m this case was cerebral hæmorrhage, which my medical advisers were unable to regard as being connected either with the man's pensionable disability or with his military service. When the widow appealed against the consequent refusal of pension all the available evidence, including the opinion of the man's private doctor, was placed before the tribunal, which confirmed, and thus made final, the decision of the Ministry. With regard to the latter part of the question, I may explain that it is the practice of my Department to authorise advances, in certain cases, pending consideration of a widow's claim to pension. These advances are bound to cease as soon as a decision is reached.

Sir W. ALLEN

Was the local doctor examined before the tribunal?

Major TRYON

I understand that the local doctor was not examined, but a long report from the local doctor was placed before the tribunal.

Sir W. ALLEN

As this answer is so unsatisfactory, I give notice that I will raise the matter on the Adjournment.