§ 6. Mr. GROVESasked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware that the pensions issue office at Bromyard Avenue, Acton, isued a letter, dated 4th July, 1928, in reference to William H. Jacobs, 113, Stanley Road, Stratford, E.15, late No. 11/M 351,135, Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry, who is at present an inmate of the Whipps Cross Hospital; that the man is in receipt of a war pension of 35s. per week; that the letter to the wife of this man stated that 26s. 3d. a week is being stopped from the husband's pension to meet the cost of his maintenance in the hospital; and that 2432 his department issued to the wife only 8s. 9d. for the week ended 4th July; and, as the rent payable is 5s. 1d. per week, leaving only 3s. 8d. per week for the wife's maintenance, will he reconsider this case?
§ Major TRYONI find that in the case referred to the pensioner is receiving treatment for a disability unconnected with his war service and that the guardians have, as they are entitled to do, claimed that the cost of his maintenance should be repaid to them out of his pension. It is within the power of the guardians to reduce the charge so made if the circumstances of the case justify it, and, if the hon. Member will furnish me with full particulars such as will enable me to represent the case to the guardians, I shall be glad to do so.
§ Mr. GROVESIs the right hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that the conditions in respect to the payment of pensions laid down that any person entering such an institution for medical or surgical treatment shall not have his pension touched for twelve weeks, that that is a Treasury regulation, and will he kindly take the steps indicated—and I will let him have what particulars I can?
§ Major TRYONI shall be very happy to take the steps which I have promised after the hon. Member has communicated with me.
§ Mr. GROVESWill the right hon. and gallant Gentleman acquaint the Minister of Health, whose Department is doing this with the facts of this case?