HC Deb 26 June 1922 vol 155 cc1657-8
77. Mr. C. WHITE

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware that Captain E. S. Robinson, of Urney, Killiney, county Dublin, was invalided out of the Army in July, 1919 suffering from Meniere's disease, which was entirely due to military service, and has rendered him incapable of any employment since that time; that, notwithstanding this, his disability is now found to have been aggravated only by military service, and his pension reduced to 60 per cent.; and whether, under the special circumstances, he will take such steps as will restore this officer's pension to the original amount?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of PENSIONS (Major Tryon)

This officer's disability has at no time been accepted by the Ministry as attributable to service, but only as aggravated by it. He has been informed of his right of appeal against this decision to an independent tribunal, but has declined to exercise it. The award current at the 60 per cent. disablement rate is in accordance with the finding of the last medical board, and as the officer declines to be re-examined by a Medical Appeal Board there are no grounds for reviewing this assessment.

Mr. WHITE

What is the particular independent tribunal to which the officer will have an opportunity of going?

Major TRYON

It. will be the ordinary Medical Appeal Board, the ordinary channel which everyone else accepts, though so far this officer has not thought fit to avail himself of it.

Mr. WHITE

Which means, in other words, a further Medical Board?

Major TRYON

Certainly, a further Medical Board.