HC Deb 24 December 1929 vol 233 cc2078-9
6. Sir ROBERT HAMILTON

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether, having regard to the fact that 13 persons belonging to Vidlin, Shetland, who have enjoyed blind pensions for a number of years, have recently been deprived of them on the ground of not being so blind as to be unable to perform any work for which eyesight is essential, he is satisfied with the method under which these pensions were first awarded and with the manner in which they have been withdrawn; and if he proposes to make any change in the system of awarding blind pensions?

Mr. W. ADAMSON

Until recently the Department of Health for Scotland were of opinion that the very heavy expense of sending fully qualified experts to Shetland was not necessary, and that blind pensions could safely be awarded on the advice of medical officers who were not specialists. The results of the visits by specialists to Shetland, and also to the Western Isles show that expert examination is necessary in certain cases. As regards the second part of the question, I am satisfied that every consideration was shown to the pensioners, and that the benefit of the doubt was awarded in borderline cases. As regards the last part, the Department are of opinion that, save in cases of total blindness, pension should not as a rule be awarded in future except on the advice of an eye expert, and I am consulting the other authorities involved with a view to arrangements being made towards this end.

Sir R. HAMILTON

Does the right hon. Gentleman understand what a serious thing it is to withdraw a blind pension that has been enjoyed for six or seven years, and will he take steps to see that in future blind pensions are awarded to people whose blindness prevents them from carrying on the ordinary affairs of life?

Mr. ADAMSON

I am well aware of the seriousness of withdrawing a pension once it is granted, but I would suggest to the hon. Member that I would have been no party to withdrawing any pension unless there was good ground for doing so. I have already said, in reply to the main question, that so far as the future is concerned every possible care will be taken.

Sir R. HAMILTON

Will these people from whom pensions have been withdrawn have the right of an appeal, because it is obvious that there is a difference of opinion with regard to some of these cases?

Mr. ADAMSON

If there are any of the cases that think they have been hardly treated, I am quite prepared to accept representations from them.

Sir BERTRAM FALLE

Does the right hon. Gentleman think it fair to ask the local people to judge in such cases?

Mr. ADAMSON

So far as I am personally concerned, I was not responsible for that arrangement.

Dr. VERNON DAVIES

Does the right hon. Gentleman take the attitude that it requires a specialist to decide whether a man can see or not?

Mr. ADAMSON

There are certain cases where I think my hon. Friend will admit that it would require a specialist to judge.