90. Sir F. HALLasked the Minister of Pensions whether any reduction is made in the pension granted to ex-service men who have lost an arm or a leg of which the stump, upon being medically reexamined, is found to have lengthened somewhat since the previous examination?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONI have no power to award pension in cases of amputation otherwise than in accordance with the terms of the First Schedule to the Royal Warrant. If, as I imagine, my hon. and gallant Friend has in mind a particular case about which he has written, I can assure him that it is being thoroughly investigated.
Sir F. HALLWill the right hon. Gentleman answer "Yes" of "No" to the question whether there is any reduction made in the pensions of these men, simply because the stump of an arm or a leg may have grown half-an-inch or an inch in the interval since a man's last medical board?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONI think not. This particular case, as my hon. and gallant Friend knows, is a case by itself, and, as I have told him, I am taking steps to investigate it.
Sir F. HALLIf, as the right hon. Gentleman says, he "thinks not," then apparently he is of opinion that this should not be done, and will he take steps, if any reductions be made or proposed, to see that these men get their full pensions?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONI am still of that opinion, and I will deal with this case on those lines.