HC Deb 26 March 1925 vol 182 cc597-8
14. Mr. R. MORRISON

asked the Minister of Pensions why and upon whose instructions the constant - attendance allowance paid to Gilroy Dunstan, 134, Markfield Road, Tottenham, who lost both legs as a result of his war service, was stopped without warning on 5th November, 1924?

Lieut.-Colonel STANLEY

The constant-attendance allowance which was being paid in this case was, I find, interrupted in the ordinary course by a period of in-patient treatment which the man underwent. On the termination of treatment, the allowance should, according to the Regulations, have been reconsidered at once, but owing to a regrettable oversight delay occurred. As soon, however, as the matter was brought to notice, arrears of the allowance which otherwise would have been paid to him were at once paid.

Mr. MORRISON

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that when this oversight was discovered—it is the first time an oversight has been admitted!—that this constant-attendance allowance was continued, not at the rate of per week, but at 5s. per week?

Lieut.-Colonel STANLEY

That is not quite the same point. The hon. Gentleman asked me a question about the arrears, which were paid up. My right hon. Friend has explained to the hon. Gentleman why the amount was varied later.

Mr. MORRISON

The original point was that I was anxious to know why this man's allowance was stopped without warning at all and the man left stranded. He had no allowance for some weeks?

Lieut.-Colonel STANLEY

It was an oversight which should not have occurred—I agreed—but the arrears at that time were paid up as soon as the error was discovered.