HC Deb 19 April 1923 vol 162 cc2230-1
57. Mr. LEACH

asked the Minister of Pensions if he will cause to be reopened the case of ex-Private Thomas E. D. Mack-rill, No. 5,039, Con-naught Rangers, residing at 57, Hanover Square, Bradford, but now in Menston Asylum, who enlisted in 1901 (Irish Guards), was on the reserve when War broke out, applied for re-admission but was refused on medical grounds, enlisted again on 25th November, 1914, and was passed as sound, served in Ireland and France and then broke down, and was discharged on 21st December, 1915, with a 50 per cent. pension; whether he is aware that although up to the time of his second enlistment he worked regularly as a moulder and later as a seal finisher, his employer testifying to his regular and satisfactory service, he has, ever since his war service been in asylums suffering from organic disease of the brain; and that his pension paid for over six years has been stopped and his appeal turned down by the Leeds Appeal Tribunal?

Major TRYON

The Tribunal have confirmed the decision on entitlement in this case, which cannot therefore be reopened. I may say that the disability has at no time been accepted as connected with service, but that for the duration of the War and a year afterwards my Department provided treatment under a temporary provision of the Royal Warrant which has now expired.

Mr. LEACH

Can the right hon. Gentleman say on what ground the pension was paid, and why it was stopped?

Major TRYON

I think perhaps the hon. Member might inquire from the right hon. Member for the Gorton Divi- sion (Mr. J. Hodge), who signed the Warrant.. It was a temporary provision for men, whose disability was clearly not due to war service, to enable them to get through the difficult period of the War.