§ 33. Mr. JOWETTasked the Minister of Pensions whether he will inquire into the case of F. C. Colman, ex-driver 21,729, Army Service Corps, who was discharged from the Army in July, 1918, suffering from duodenal ulcer, for which disability he was pensioned on the ground that his disability had been aggravated by war service, the pension being discontinued in November, 1921, consequent on a decision, after medical examination, that aggravation had passed away; and whether, having regard to the medical certificate recently submitted to him, which states that F. C. Colman is still suffering from duodenal ulceration, although he was operated on three years ago for duodenal ulcer, he will reconsider his decision that aggravation had passed away?
§ The MINISTER of PENSIONS (Mr. F. O. Roberts)Mr. Colman's case has been fully reviewed, but the medical certificate referred to relates, not to the present time, but to the man's condition eight years ago and prior to the decision of the independent Pensions Appeal Tribunal in the case. In the circumstances, as I have already informed my right hon. Friend, there are no grounds on which I should be justified in continuing further action.
§ Mr. JOWETTIn view of the contradictory medical evidence on a point which cannot be established with certainty, will not my right hon. Friend give the benefit of the doubt to the poor claimant?
§ Mr. ROBERTSThis certificate, as I have said, is dated eight years ago. That is the latest information that I have on the matter.