§ 70. Colonel WOODCOCKasked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware that Lance-Corporal E. G. Protheroe, No. 242,520, Gloucestershire Regiment, who served in the Army from 24th May, 1915, until his discharge on 2nd March, 1919, part of his service being in France, was in the Gloucester mental hospital from 5th August, 1922, to 30th November,1922, and was readmitted on 16th January,1923, and is still detained there; and, in view of the fact that he was suffering from nervous depression and was treated in the Southern Hospital, Bristol, during 1918, while in the Army, and that from the date of his discharge until he was admitted to the asylum he was periodically treated for a type of hysteric epilepsy which his doctor believes was entirely due to War service, will he explain why the Pensions Ministry disclaims all responsibility for this ex-soldier and allows him to be chargeable to the guardians as a pauper lunatic?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of PENSIONS (Captain Craig)My right hon. Friend is looking into the facts of this case and will communicate with the hon. and gallant Member as soon as possible.
§ Colonel WOODCOCKIs the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that this man was in the asylum at the time when he was boarded, and that the Minister refused to accept any liability for him; 1273 and also while he was in the asylum he was asked to sign and did sign a form on behalf of the Ministry?
§ Captain CRAIGI am sorry I cannot give the hon. Member any further information at present. As soon as the Minister of Pensions has had an opportunity of fully considering the facts he will communicate with the hon. Member.