§ 67. Mr. GROVESasked the Minister of Pensions if he will reconsider the circumstances attending the refusal of pension to the widow of Private Arthur Frye, No. 296770, who was demobilised in March, 1919, awarded a disablement pension for rheumatism and gastritis, and who died in October, 1923; and whether, as there is a large family of young children dependent upon the efforts of the mother, he will reconsider the position of liability for pension?
The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of PENSIONS (Lieut.-Colonel Stanley)The claim in this case has already been given very careful consideration by the Ministry, but my right hon. Friend has been advised that the cause of the late soldier's death cannot be connected with his war service or with any disablement arising therefrom. An appeal against this decision has been disallowed by the Independent Appeal Tribunal. My right hon. Friend is not aware of any fresh evidence of a material character which would justify the adoption of the course suggested.
§ Mr. GROVESIs the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that the doctor who attended this man at his death, which took place in West Ham Hospital, stated at the inquiry that in his opinion the gassing which this man underwent in the War was a contributory cause of death?
Lieut.-Colonel STANLEYI am not aware of that. I looked up the case yesterday, and I saw the letter written by the right hon. Member for West Bromwich (Mr. F. O. Roberts) to the hon. Member last year, which clearly stated the reasons why this suggestion could not be entertained.