HC Deb 10 May 1928 vol 217 cc384-5
1. Mr. MALONE

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware that Mr. Joseph Wilfred Edwards, of 204, Birch-field Road East, Northampton, formerly private, No. 3,067, East Surrey Regiment, was a prisoner of war from July, 1915, until the Armistice; that on his release he was detained in a mental hospital until the end of 1919 when he was discharged with a disablement pension; and that he subsequently married, and his wife suffered considerably until in December,, 1927, she had to obtain the assistance of the police, and her husband was taken to the Northants Mental Hospital where he now is; whether he is aware that all pension has been refused, and Mrs. Edwards and her family of five are existing on Poor Law relief; and why, in view of the fact that Mr. Edwards was in need of mental treatment on his return from a war prisoners' camp before his discharge from the Army, it is claimed that his recurring mental derangement since that date is not due to his War service?

The MINISTER of PENSIONS (Major Tryon)

On the information available it has not been found possible to admit the claim. I have, however, received further representations from the man's wife, into which I am having inquiry made.