§ 1. Mr. E. BROWNasked the Minister of Pensions if he will now make any statement as the final awards of service men's pensions, and especially as to the problem of recurring diseases and ailments?
§ The MINISTER of PENSIONS (Mr. Roberts)Cases of recurrent ailments are met by the provision of medical treatment, with the grant of allowances if necessary. As regard cases in which it is shown that an award was erroneously declared final at the time it was made, owing to a definite error of fact or judgment, I am glad to be able to assure the hon. Member that cases of this kind are now in fact being put right by the Ministry, and the correct award, whether final or conditional, made in lieu of the award which had erroneously been made final. Where a man claims to need treatment on account of his condition, his case will be considered if, as a result of medical treatment and observation, error be discovered. Such claims go in the ordinary course through the local offices of the Ministry.
§ Mr. HOGGEHow is it that a man who has had his final award can get treatment allowance for disability, but is not eligible for pension?
§ Mr. ROBERTSIf my hon. Friend gives me notice of that question, I will supply him with a full answer.
§ Mr. HOGGEIs the hon. Gentleman aware of the fact that many men who have had pensions, but who have pensions no longer, are entitled to treatment allowance in hospitals for the disability which they incurred during the War, and how is that possible when the men are denied pensions?
§ Mr. ROBERTSI will take a note of the observations of the hon. Gentleman.
§ Mr. ROYCEDoes the hon. Gentleman's answer apply to men whose appeal to the Appeal Tribunal has been rejected?
§ Mr. ROBERTSNo, Sir. It applies only to the type of cases specifically mentioned in the answer.
§ Mr. J. GARDNERIn ceases where final awards are considered to be wrongly made, is application to be made to the local committees?
§ Mr. D. G. SOMERVILLEAs I have numerous cases of a similar character, may I ask if the hon. Gentleman will look into the point1?
§ Mr. ROBERTSYes; I will look into any point which any hon. Member brings to my notice.