HC Deb 23 December 1929 vol 233 cc1887-8
24. Mr. W. J. BROWN

asked the Minister of Pensions whether be is aware that Mr. W. J. Day, of No. 14, Shepherd Street, Wolverhampton, served for a number of years in the Regular Army until 1904; was then transferred to the First Class Army Reserve, in which he served for a further eight years; was accepted for service in the Great War; has since the end of the War suffered continuously from epilepsy, but is paid pension only at the rate of 8d. a day, although his disability prevents him from earning a living; and whether he will cause this case to be reviewed and an adequate pension awarded?

Mr. ROBERTS

The position in this case has recently been explained to my hon. Friend by correspondence. I have again examined it, but I regret that I can find no grounds for varying the decision that Mr. Day's present condition of disablement cannot he certified as resulting from his war service.

Mr. BROWN

How can it be maintained that the condition is not due to military service when the individual is accepted as being fit for military service, and accepted over and over again in different capacities?

Mr. ROBERTS

I have been informed that on medical grounds this was an aggravated disability, and that in 1921 or 1922—I have not the dates in front of me—after the medical examination the aggravation was declared to have passed away. If my hon. Friend has any additional information, I shall be glad to have it and to look into it again.