§ 8 and 9. Mr. N. MACLEANasked the Minister of Pensions (1) whether R. J. Baldwin, late private, No. 13,472, Royal Field Artillery, was awarded a disability pension of 13s. 6d., including allowances for his wife and children, on 22nd December, 1920, to take effect from the 23rd February, 1921, and to end on 25th October, 1921; whether any and, if so, how much of this pension has been paid; whether he will take steps to see that any arrears are forwarded to this man as early as possible;
(2) whether he is aware that R. J. Baldwin, late private, No. 13,472, Royal Field Artillery, was awarded a service pension of 10d. per day for life in addition to his disability pension; whether the rate of pension where no disability pension is being paid is 2s. per day for the period served by this man; whether he is aware that this pension was to date from the 23rd March, 1919; that this pension has not been paid to him; and that this man is in extreme need; and whether he can state how soon this pension will be paid him along with the arrears to which he is entitled?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONI understand that payment of both awards has been suspended because of a large overpayment improperly obtained. I am inquiring into the point regarding the rate of service pension.
§ Mr. MACLEANIs it not the case that no intimation has been made to this soldier about any overpayment, that the papers sent to him contained no reference to that fact, and that he has been kept practically out of his pension for about a year?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONI do not know whether my hon. Friend knows the facts of the case?
§ Mr. MACLEANI do. I have them by me.
§ Mr. MACPHERSONI prefer not to discuss them in public, but if the hon. Member will come to see me privately I shall be pleased.