HC Deb 15 March 1923 vol 161 cc1740-1
11. Mr. J. DAVISON

asked the Minister of Pensions whether an applicant for pension under Article 9 of the Warrant, whose conditions renders it necessary for him to receive treatment in an institution or otherwise, is entitled to allowances on the usual scale pending a decision on his claim to pension; and, if not, will he state Ns hen this privilege was withdrawn, and for what reason?

Major TRYON

Cases of this kind are not entitled. to grant or allowance under the Royal Warrants until their claims are settled. But, as a special concession it is, and has been for some time, the practice to grant the usual family allowances to those claimants to pension under Article 9 of the Royal Warrant who, on the ground of urgency, have been provided with treatment by my Department while the merits of their applications for pension are still under consideration.

12. Mr. FREDERICK ROBERTS

asked the Minister of Pensions whether a man's unfitness for work was regarded as justifying the payment of allowances during a period of treatment; whether this has now been altered to unfitness for work in consequence of the treatment; and, if so, will he state the date on which the change was made and the reasons for it?

Major TRYON

Article 6 of the Royal Warrant clearly provides that treatment allowances are payable only where, in consequence of a definite course, of treatment deemed necessary in the man's interests, he is unable to provide for the support of himself and his family. There has been no change in this principle, but some three years ago when it was found that misapprehension had arisen, the attention of all concerned was drawn to the matter.