HC Deb 08 March 1923 vol 161 cc692-3
24. Mr. T. SMITH

asked the Minister of Pensions if he has seen the report of the inquest held at Pontefract recently on the death of an ex-service man, named T. R. Hewand, 32, Westwood Terrace, York, who was found bleeding from the mouth while engaged in shunting operations: is he aware that the post-mortem examination proved that ho died from the effects of a large piece of shrapnel embedded in the heart: that the medical evidence was that an X-ray examination would have instantly revealed the shrapnel and that the man should not have done manual work: and that Hewand was wounded in the chest daring the Mar, and discharged on a pension, which was finally stopped last January on the ground that the man was cured; and will he say what are his intentions as to the pension of the widow?

Major TRYON

My attention was called to this ease through a newspaper report a day or two ago. Steps have already been taken to assist the widow in putting forward her claim to pension, which, I can assure the hon. Member, will receive full consideration.

Mr. T. WILLIAMS

In cases where the evidence is not so conclusive as it was in this case, are similar steps taken when errors of judgment have been made?

Major TRYON

Of course, we want to do everything we can to secure pensions for the widows, but I should like to get full details of cases before giving an opinion. We want to clear them up and do justice to the widows.

Mr. WILLIAMS

The point that I wish to put to the Minister is that several cases of a similar nature, but not quite so conclusive medically, have been turned down by tribunals, and we are told that these appeals—

Mr. SPEAKER

That question ought to be put upon the Paper. It does not arise out of the present question.