§ 1. Mr. LUNNasked the Minister of Pensions whether he will grant the right of appeal to the Pensions Entitlement Appeals Tribunal to James Creed, D.C.M., M.C., late sergeant, No. 205,676, Wiltshire Regiment, home address, 35, Victoria Street, Hemsworth, but now an in-patient of the David Lewis Epileptic Colony, Alderley Edge, Cheshire, which has been submitted to him by the Wakefield, Pontefract, and District war pensions committee?
§ The MINISTER of PENSIONS (Major Tryon)I have no power to grant a right of appeal after the period fixed by Statute has expired. The man was offered an appeal on the occasion of his earlier claim but failed to exercise it. I may add that the most careful consideration has been given to all the facts of this case by my advisers and I am satisfied that the decision to reject Mr. Creed's claim should be maintained.
§ Mr. LUNNIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that this young man enlisted at the age of 161 years, and that there is no history of epilepsy in his family? Cannot the right hon. Gentleman be a little merciful in a case like this, seeing that it is supported so unanimously by the West Riding Pensions Committee?
§ Major TRYONUnfortunately, the claim rests, not upon his military service record, but upon his medical history, which does not confirm the hon. Member's contention.
§ Mr. LUNNWhy not give an opportunity to the authorities at the colony 3192 where he is now, to express themselves upon this case? They have intimate knowledge of it. Why riot do that?
§ Major TRYONI have no power to grant the appeal which the hon. Member suggests. The case has been gone into exhaustively on two occasions.