§ 10. Mr. BAKERasked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware that instructions were issued that no treatment was to be given to men suffering from neurasthenia if their assessment was 20 per cent. or less; whether, in all cases of men suffering from war neuroses, the 1522 pensioner was given the benefit of the doubt; whether, in the interests of economy, any definite action has been taken to reduce the length and expense of treatment in neurasthenic cases; and, if so, whether he will issue instructions that in all cases sympathetic consideration shall be given to men suffering from war neuroses, and that treatment shall be provided where the man is likely to benefit from the same?
Mr. ROBERTSNo instructions of the nature suggested have been issued regarding the treatment of neurasthenia. If my hon. Friend has in mind the instructions regarding the treatment of aggravated disabilities of less than 20 per cent. which were issued in August of last year, I would remind him that, as already stated, these instructions have since been modified in such a manner as to admit to treatment any case of this kind in which it is justified. Men suffering from neurasthenia due to service, whatever their assessment may be, continue to receive the appropriate treatment which in the judgment of my medical advisers the circumstances of the case require. The answer to the second part of the question is in the affirmative, and to the third part in the negative. If my hon. Friend has any particular case in mind, I shall be glad to have an opportunity of looking into it.