§ 21. Mr. RHYS DAVIESasked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware that a newspaper cutting containing critical remarks against the treatment meted out to ex-soldiers made by Mr. T. W. Gorringe, late corporal, Royal Engineers, No. 57,313, 62, Church Street, Westhoughton, was attached to Gorringe's papers sent to the medical referee in connection with an application for medical treatment; and, seeing that those remarks were made by Gorringe in his 2549 capacity as a member of the Bolton Board of Guardians, and that the man's criticisms of the Pensions Ministry as contained in the Press cutting referred to have militated against his claim for treatment, and that records of his treatment tend to show that this is the case, will he take the necessary steps to prevent an ex-soldier's public statements from being used in evidence for or against his claim for treatment allowance and to deal with the officer guilty of this practice in Gorringe's case?
§ Major TRYONMy attention was drawn to this incident when it occurred about a year ago, and I have taken steps to prevent any similar occurrence. It is not, however, the fact that the man has been prejudiced; on the contrary his case has been dealt with throughout on its merits and he has received the full benefits to which he is entitled under the Royal Warrant.
§ Mr. DAVIESWhat reason was there for the fixing of a Press cutting, containing a long statement at a public meeting of his medical record, and is the right hon. Gentleman aware of this strange coincidence, that this man's position has been worsened as from the date that Press cutting was attached to his medical certificate, and what action has he taken to the individual who attached this Press cutting to the record?
§ Major TRYONThe affixing of the Press cutting was entirely contrary to the wishes of my right hon. Friend who was Minister at the time and of myself. Strict orders have been issued that this is not to be done.
§ Mr. BARKERIs this officer still in the service of the Ministry? Has the right hon. Gentleman taken any steps to remove a man like that from the service of the Government?
§ Mr. DAVIESWhat has the right hon. Gentleman done to the officer who played that mean trick on this man?
§ Major TRYONI must have notice as to what happened to that individual, but strict orders have been issued that this is not to be done, and the hon. Member would be fairer to the Ministry if he realised that we disapprove of this action as much as he does.
§ Mr. LAWSONIs it not a fact that the man had his allowance reduced at this 2550 time, and is the right hon. Gentleman going to say he was not worsened directly as the result of this document being attached to his record?
§ Major TRYONIt is a monstrous charge against the whole medical profession that three doctors will be prejudiced by a Press cutting, which clearly ought not to have been attached.