HC Deb 26 July 1923 vol 167 cc678-9
10. Captain ARTHUREVANS

asked the Minister of Pensions if he is aware that Mr. G. F. Gamble, of 199, Syston Street, Leicester, lost both his legs in the late War, and that he is consequently perfectly helpless; that his attendance allowance of 15s. per week was discontinued after the 23rd January last because it was reported to the Ministry that he was able to do a great deal for himself, and it was considered that his condition no longer rendered it necessary for someone to be always in attendance, although he had lost both his legs; that, although his attendance allowance has now been reissued, at the rate of 10s. per week, it is insufficient to compensate those people who have to be in attendance; and if there is any reason, in view of his regrettable physical disability, that the full attendance allowance of £1 per week should not be paid as from the 23rd January, 1923?

Major TRYON

I have personally gone into the facts of this case, and, in the opinion of my medical advisers, the present allowance of 10s. a week, which is paid, in addition to the maximum disablement pension, is adequate to the amount of assistance required.

Captain EVANS

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this man cannot perform the ordinary functions of daily life without assistance, and that the maximum dependance allowance a week for a man who has lost both legs is £1 a week? Is there any real reason why, because he may have done a few jobs, he should be deprived of 10s. a week on that account?

Major TRYON

There never has been a flat rate of 20s. for everybody. The matter was carefully gone into by my officers, and they thought that 10s. was a suitable amount of compensation in addition to the £2 a week for total disablement.

Captain BOWYER

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether this man has been supplied with an invalid chair?

Major TRYON

Yes. He has a chair for use in the house, and a self-propelled tricycle for use outside.

Mr. D. G. SOMERVILLE

In addition to £2 10s. he is supplied with a chair and tricycle?

Major TRYON

That is so.