3. Mr. ROBINSONasked the Minister of Pensions whether, in the case of a man suffering from war wounds and who has to undergo operative treatment, full treatment allowances are paid to him and his family even though no claim has been made for pension; and whether he will take action to remove the seven-year limit in respect of claims to pension arising out of wounds received during the War?
§ Major TRYONThe special arrangements whereby, as I have more than once explained to the House, cases of the type referred to are given operative treatment, and special allowances are paid to the man's family during such treatment, are satisfactorily meeting the needs of this class of case, and I see no ground for taking the action suggested in the last part of the question.
§ Mr. T. WILLIAMSIs the right hon. Gentleman not aware that there are thousands of cases outside the seven-years' limit suffering from shell-shock or physical disability due to war service?
§ Major TRYONNo, Sir, it is absolutely inaccurate to say that there are thousands of cases. Under our procedure any such cases are immediately reported to us, and there is no foundation whatever for the hon. Member's statement.
§ Mr. WILLIAMSIs the Minister of Pensions not aware that, apart from those suffering from physical disabilities, there are thousands of people who come outside the seven-years' limit?
§ Major TRYONThe hon. Member's figures are equally inaccurate.
§ Mr. WILLIAMSIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that there are a large number outside the seven years' limit which, in very few cases, have been dealt with by the Department.
§ Major TRYONI have already answered a question on that point. I 1540 have met, and the Parliamentary Secretary has also met, the Chairmen of Pensions Committees all over the country, and there is no foundation whatever for the exaggerated statement of the hon. Member.
§ Colonel DAYCan the right hon. Gentleman give approximately the number of cases?
§ Major TRYONI had the answer ready for a previous question, but unfortunately the hon. and gallant Member for Fairfield (Major Cohen) is not here.