§ 41. Sir WALTER de FRECEasked the Secretary of State for War how many men have been discharged from the Army in each of the last three years, including 1925, for ill-health; in how many of these cases the men have claimed that their disability was due to service; in how many 'cases these claims have been admitted and in how many rejected; and whether, in any case, the said applicants have had the right to appeal and, if so, to whom?
§ Captain KINGThe number of men invalided from the Army in each of the last three years ending on 30th September have been 2,920, 2,673 and 2,606 respectively. No statistics are available showing in how many of these cases the men claimed that their disability was attributable to service, but the number of cases in which disability was accepted as due to service were 373, 419 and 347 respectively. Applicants have no right of appeal against the decision of the Chelsea Commissioners. The Chelsea Commissioners are an independent body who adjudicate upon the soldier's claim 236 and are not subject to the control of any Government Department in administering the pension regulations.
§ Mr. THURTLEWould the War Office consider the desirability of setting up some machinery of appeal in these cases?
§ Captain KINGI think really the Chelsea Commissioners give such very careful and sympathetic consideration to all cases that such a court of appeal is not necessary.
§ Mr. HAYESAre these cases referred to a medical referee in the case of the matter being pressed by the ex-service man?
§ Captain KingThe Chelsea Commissioners have their own medical advisers whom they consult in all these cases.
§ Captain KINGThere is no appeal from the decision of the Chelsea Commissioners.
Captain HOPEHow many of these men were discharged as medically unfit in the first three months of their service?
§ Captain KINGI could not give the figures. I should require notice.