§ 6. Mr. HALLSasked the Minister of Pensions whether he can state, in the ease of ex-Private J. Penny, 35, Spring-wood Yard, Ramsbottom, who is suffering from valvular disease of the heart, due to service in the Army, which prevents him from working, why his pension has been reduced from £2 per week to 16s. per week; and, seeing that as this man has himself, a wife, and two children to keep it means either actual starvation or going to the Poor Law Guardians for additional help, will he have inquiries made?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONThe award of pension at the rate of 16s. a week is in accordance with the degree of disablement assessed by the Medical Board which examined this man last month. If he is dissatisfied with this assessment he has a right of appeal to a Medical Appeal Board.
§ Mr. HALLSIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that since this question was put down the man has had a further hear- 553 ing, and has now had his pension reduced to 30 per cent., or 12s. 6d.? In view of the fact that the man cannot work, is not that a reason for further inquiry into the case?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONI am most anxious and willing to make any further inquiries suggested by my hon. Friend. I did not know that he had been reexamined since the question was put down. I will look into the matter again.