HC Deb 12 April 1923 vol 162 cc1280-2
32. Mr. J. GUEST

asked the Minister of Pensions if he is aware of the handicap which is placed upon ex-service men when appearing before the final appeals tribunal, owing to the fact that the Ministry of Pensions make no provision for these men being represented at the tribunal and having their case properly defended; and whether, seeing that the work of the tribunal is largely the sifting and weighing of medical opinion and evidence, he can now agree for his Ministry to pay a reasonable fee for the man's local doctor for his attendance at the court in order that his more continuous and intimate knowledge of the case may be placed before the tribunal?

Major TRYON

I would refer the hon. Member to the answers which I gave to the hon. Member for Frame on the 7th December, and to the hon. Member for West Middles-brough on the 15th March last. of which I am sending him copies.

Mr. GUEST

Does not the Minister realise that it is the obligation of his Department to see that the case of those appellants is properly presented, and does he think that the obligation is properly met when the only provision his Department makes is the railway fare to the place of the tribunal?

Major TRYON

I regard the preparation of the précis as a, very important and vital duty of the Ministry, and consider it to be absolutely our duty to bring out, every point in favour of the man in the précis. Further, it is not generally known that under the Regulations issued by the Lord Chancellor the instructions which he gives to the tribunal are that the tribunal shall assist any appellant who, through ignorance or otherwise, is unable to make the best of his case.

Mr. SHINWELL

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is very frequently a direct conflict of opinion between the man's medical adviser and the medical board, and having regard to that, fact, and the widespread dissatisfaction about the matter will he provide reasonable facilities for the man being accompanied by his medical adviser at the appeal tribunal?

Mr. SPEAKER

That is the question' on the Paper.

Mr. GUEST

Is it not a fact that the précis is very often a collection of medical terms best understood by medical men, but not understood by the ordinary ex-service man, and ought not the man to have medical protection before the tribunal?

Major TRYON

There is a medical officer on the tribunal who can explain the terms. I am anxious that. in the précis abbreviations shall be avoided, as far as possible.