HC Deb 03 May 1928 vol 216 cc1871-2
1. Mr. BUCHANAN

asked the Minister of Pensions if he is aware that Mr. H. McQuade, 92, South Wellington Street, Glasgow, is at present receiving treatment from the Pensions Ministry and is detained in hospital for the purpose and yet is refused any treatment allowance for his wife and family, who are at present being kept by the parish council, although the treatment which is required is the direct outcome of the late War; and if he will have this case reconsidered?

The MINISTER of PENSIONS (Major Tryon)

As I have already informed the hon. Member, allowances are only payable where the patient has suffered loss by reason of being prevented through his treatment from continuing to carry on a remunerative occupation. This was not the case with regard to the patient referred to, the circumstances of whose family at the present time, I am informed, are the same as those which have obtained for several years past. I may add that the Glasgow War Pensions Committee, who investigated the circumstances of the case, declined to support the man's claim.

Mr. BUCHANAN

If a man is out of employment or is kept from working, are we to understand that because he happens to be unemployed he is to be treated as always unemployed, and is not to receive any treatment allowance?

Major TRYON

This particular case is based on the fact that the man has for many years not been earning wages.

Mr. BUCHANAN

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that it is not uncommon for ex-service men to be out of work for years, and, if this man starts work, will he reconsider this particular case?

Major TRYON

I shall be very happy to consider any relevant facts which may support the claim, but I do not think that it is well founded.

Mr. BUCHANAN

I beg to give notice that I will raise this question on the Adjournment at the first available opportunity.

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