§ 42. Mr. BELLAMYasked the Minister of Pensions if he is aware that there are men undergoing treatment at the Ministry of Pensions Hospital, Maghull, Liverpool, who are receiving only the flat-rate pension for themselves, their wives and families, in lieu of treatment allowances as set out in Article 6 of the Royal Warrant of 1919, and what is the reason for the change; arid what provision, if any, is made for children born more than 280 days after the termination of active service, who are not eligible for pension allowances, and the wives and families of men married after the origin of the disability or after the termination of active service?
The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of PENSIONS (Lieut.-Colonel Stanley)There are in this Institution, I understand, a very few cases in the position stated. The special allowances referred to are, as my right hon. Friend has frequently stated, payable where, but only where, the patient has suffered loss by reason of his being prevented by the treatment from continuing to carry on a remunerative occupation. Each case is now, as it has been in the past, considered on its merits. In the few cases in question there has been no loss of earnings by reason of the men undergoing treatment at Maghull. On the contrary, they are definitely better off by the fact that their own maintenance during treatment is provided at public cost. There is in the circumstances no occasion for further special provision for their non-pensionable dependants.
§ Mr. BELLAMYIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that in many cases the pensioner's family have only the flat rate 949 pension as income while the pensioner is undergoing institutional treatment, and are therefore unable to obtain the necessities of life, and does not this fact Adversely affect the pensioner and retard his recovery; and will not the right hon. Gentleman consider the advisability of granting treatment allowances to all pensioners undergoing in-patient treatment?
Lieut.-Colonel STANLEYThat does not apply 'at all. My information is that all are on a high pension, and the man is kept free at the public cost, while his pension goes to his family.
§ Mr. BELLAMYAs some of them are in receipt of 8s. and 10s. a week, does the right hon. Gentleman consider that a high pension?
§ 43. Mr. COMPTONasked the Minister of Pensions if he is aware that Form M.P.A.O. 45a is being sent to men in receipt of an award for 12 months and until further notice, and that the pensioner is asked to supply his unemployment insurance classification number, his book number, and the address of office where unemployment benefit is paid; the purpose of these inquiries; whether the Ministry of Pensions has altered the practice that pensions were granted on the degree of disablement as found by the medical board, irrespective of any question of employment; and if he will have these forms withdrawn and issue instructions that questions as to employment shall not be made?
Lieut.-Colonel STANLEYThe hon. Member is under a misapprehension as to the nature of the form referred to, which is used only in cases where treatment allowances in lieu of pension are to be issued. As these allowances are issued only in cases where the man is found to be unable to work in consequence of a course of treatment, it is necessary to acquaint the Employment Exchange in order that the man's position in relation to the unemployment insurance scheme may be established during the period of his treatment. The form has no relevance to the assessment of disablement pension, and the latter part of the question does not, therefore, arise.
§ Mr. COMPTONIs it not a fact that these forms are issued with the object of assessing a life pension, and that employment should not be taken into consideration, but merely the effect of the injury which a man has suffered?
Lieut.-Colonel STANLEYNo, Sir, it has nothing whatever to do with it. This is merely a case where a man is undergoing treatment and is entitled to treatment allowance, and it is for the benefit of the man that he shall not lapse from the insurance benefits by reason of his not having paid in.
§ Mr. COMPTONThe case I have in mind is directly opposed to the case mentioned by the Minister. May I see him in his room?