HC Deb 10 November 1927 vol 210 cc333-4
6 Mr. GROVES

asked the Minister of Pensions (1), whether he has given personal consideration to and sanction of the present practice of the Pensions Issue Office in deducting from a pensioner's allowance an amount said to be claimed by the West Ham Board of Guardians whenever a pensioner is sent into the Whipps Cross hospital, which is within the West Ham Poor Law Union;

(2), whether his Department makes any inquiries as to the reasonableness of a demand upon a pensioner's allowance, when such pensioner enters an institution under a Poor Law authority, for any medical advice or attention;

(3), if he is aware that ex-Gunner J. Knock, 26, Manley Grove, Stratford, Identity No. 11/M. 329,723, was sent into the Whipps Cross hospital by the doctor's order on 5th October, and stayed for four weeks; that this pensioner, whose allowance is 28s. weekly, was deducted by the Pensions Issue Office £1 2s. 6d. for each of the weeks he was within the institution; and whether he will have this matter reconsidered, as the pensioner's weekly expenditure is more than the amount which the Pensions Issue Office has paid him?

Major TRYON

Under the provisions of the Royal Pension Warrants, a claim made by a board of guardians in respect of a pensioner admitted to a Poor Law institution for maintenance or medical treatment not connected with his war service is met by repayment to the guardians out of the man's pension. The amount so deducted may not exceed the ordinary rate for the maintenance of inmates or the daily rate of pension in payment, whichever is the less. The pro- vision referred to is not a new one, but has been in operation for many years, and applies to all Poor Law institutions.

With regard to the case of Mr. Knock, who was admitted to hospital suffering from sickness unconnected with his war disability, a claim for repayment was preferred by the West Ham Guardians, and was met by the Ministry in accordance with the provisions of the Warrant. In view of the claim which the guardians were entitled to make and of the requirements of the Warrants, I have no power to reconsider the matter, as suggested by the hon. Member.

Mr. GROVES

Is it possible for the right hon. Gentleman to give me a reply to Question No. 7 separately?

Major TRYON

Yes, Sir; it is the case that we give personal consideration to every case.

Mr. GROVES

Then can the right hon. Gentleman tell the House how he arrives at the fact that a man can live on 6d. a week?

Major TRYON

The hon. Gentleman is under a misapprehension. All that it is our duty to do is to pay a proper rate of pension; we cannot deal with matters that are not in any way connected with the pensioner's war service.

Mr. HARDIE

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in Glasgow, where cases such as are now being discussed come before the parish council, the Department intimate to the pensioner that, if the parish council would give way, the Department would give the money? What is the reason for that?

Major TRYON

If the hon. Member will put down a question referring to Glasgow, I shall be very glad to answer it.