§ 25. Mr. SHORTasked the Minister of Pensions the number of ex-service men suffering from tuberculosis who have been deprived of their pensions for one reason or another
Mr. ROBERTSSince July, 1922, the earliest date available, 900 awards in respect of pulmonary tuberculosis have been discontinued, out of a total of 38,000 awards in payment for that disability.
§ Mr. MACPHERSONIs it proposed to reconsider the case of men suffering from tuberculosis in the same way as the case of men who are stricken with insanity and have now been considered to a special extent
Viscountess ASTORWould some legislation be possible whereby men suffering from tuberculosis would be made to take full advantage of the sanatorium treatment, because as it is going on now it is not doing them much good, if they leave before they are well
Mr. ROBERTSThose points have been under consideration by myself and my Department, and perhaps at a later stage may have a little more to say.
§ 26. Mr. SHORTasked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware of the large number of ex-service men suffering from pulmonary tuberculosis who have been deprived of their pensions on the ground that the disability has ceased but whose health and physical condition does not permit them to follow any but exceptional occupations which are most difficult, to obtain, who cannot withstand varying weather conditions; and, if so, what action, if any, does he propose to take to assist such cases
Mr. ROBERTSI am aware of this difficulty, which will have the earliest pos- 988 sible consideration. I shall, of course, be glad to look into any particular case which my hon. Friend may have in mind.
§ Sir A. SHIRLEY BENNIs any difference being made between ex-service men who had a pre-War history of disease and men who had no pre-War history, but may have developed the disease through the hardships endured during the War
Mr. ROBERTSEvery consideration is being given to these cases, but on that particular point I shall be glad if the hon. Member will put down a question.
§ Mr. PRINGLEIs consideration being given to the case of widows of men who have died of tuberculosis.