HC Deb 19 April 1923 vol 162 cc2224-5
27. Mr. C. WHTE

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he will inquire into the mode of procedure adopted in the medical examination of James Henry Atkin, No. 16,081, of Matlock, late of the Royal Field Artillery, who was examined at Derby on 1st March, 1922, the chairman of the medical board telling Atkin that he could appeal against the decision then given, which he did, when the same medical man was again chairman of the board, and Atkin's appeal was dismissed; and whether he approves of this method of procedure, or whether he thinks justice can be done to the pensioner under the circumstances?

Major TRYON

The hon. Member is under a misapprehension. The second board referred to was not a medical appeal board but a board held to consider the man's claim that his condition had become worse since the examination on the 1st March. Had there been an appeal on the ground that the assessment given by the first board was inadequate, the man would have been examined by a medical appeal board entirely differently constituted from the board which had previously examined him.

Mr. WHITE

Is it not a fact that the chairman of the board was the same man on each board, that in less than two months the examination took place, and that Dr. Latham was chairman of the board that advised the man to appeal and of the second board when the man did appeal?

Major TRYON

I am afraid the hon. Member has not understood my answer. It is not a question of an appeal. The man claimed to have got worse since the last board, and it is quite natural that he should go back to the same board in order that they might see whether or not he had got worse. If it had been a case of an appeal, he would have had a different board.

Mr. WHITE

What is the use of going back to the same board which had given a decision immediately previously?

Major TRYON

I cannot think of any more suitable board than that which previously examined the man to ascertain whether or not he had become worse since his examination.

Mr. WHITE

Would they not naturally confirm their previous decision?

Mr. T. GRIFFITHS

Is it not a fact that thousands of ex-service men in the same position as this man are appearing before the medical boards and tribunals, and the game is being played upon them of "send the fool further "every time?

Major TRYON

I am sorry that an hon. Member identified with the Labour party should refuse his sanction to our giving full opportunity to men who think themselves worse to be re-examined.