HC Deb 16 July 1924 vol 176 cc375-6
88. Mr. LINFIELD

asked the Minister of Pensions whether his attention has been called to the case of an ex-soldier, Mr. Frederick Roskell, of Greengate Street, Barrow-in-Furness, an inmate of Lancaster Asylum, from whose pension of 11s. 6d. per week the guardians took 7s. 6d., leaving 4s. for his wife and five children; and, in view of the fact that the wife has since died, will he take immediate steps to see that the case of the children receives consideration?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of PENSIONS (Mr. Muir)

I am glad to inform the hon. Member that the case referred to has been satisfactorily settled. In connection with an appeal which had been entered against the earlier decision of the Ministry, material evidence affecting the issue came to light, on investigation, which was not put before the Ministry- when the original claim in respect of insanity was made. The ease was, therefore, specially investigated by a medical officer of the Ministry, and, as a result of his report, it has been shown that the man's mental condition should properly be regarded as directly connected with his service. The claim to pension has therefore been admitted. Adequate provision will, therefore, be made for the children, for whose benefit, I may add, that I had in the meantime been able to make a temporary grant.

Mr. D. G. SOMERVILLE

Is the hon. Gentleman not aware that in spite of this case being pressed for six months the wife and five children received a pension of only 4s. a week, and that this had to be supplemented by the guardians to keep the woman alive? Four weeks ago this woman died from absolute worry.

Mr. MUIR

I think the hon. Gentleman has not brought that to my notice before.

Mr. SOMERVILLE

I have written 16 letters to the Ministry.

Mr. MUIR

Not during the past six months.

Lieut.-Colonel JAMES

Is not this a true commentary on the attitude of the Labour Government [HON. MEMBERS: "No!"]