§ 30. Mr. A. V. ALEXANDERasked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware that Mr. F. Melhuish, of 12, Northesk Street, Plymouth, who served in the Army from December, 1916, to October, 1919, received a gunshot wound in the left shoulder in October, 1917; that he is now suffering from tuberculosis which has been certified by the resident medical officer of Plymouth sanatorium as being most extensive immediately behind the scar of the wound; and that Dr. H. M. Reid, of Plymouth, has stated that the wound is the probable cause of the infection which started under the entrance wound; and whether, in view of the fact that the statutory period of seven years in which Mr. Melhuish might have claimed a pension has expired, he will give special consideration to this case, with a view to a pension and treatment allowances being granted?
The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of PENSIONS (Lieut.-Colonel Stanley)As the hon. Member has already been informed, the whole of the evidence in this case has been most carefully considered, notwithstanding the statutory bar referred to, but my right hon. Friend is advised that on the information at present before the Ministry it does not justify him in taking the special action suggested in this case.
§ Mr. ALEXANDERIs the right hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that the man's legal adviser has been refused sight of the case and is not able to pursue the matter in the way that he would be able to do if he had full information given to him?
Lieut.-Colonel STANLEYWe are prepared to give all the information we can, but the man's documents are entirely confidential.