HC Deb 27 February 1933 vol 275 cc20-1
22. Mr. HARCOURT JOHNSTONE

asked the Minister of Pensions whether it is the practice to make fresh medical examinations, on behalf of his Department, of men whose claims to disability pensions have been finally disallowed in cases where fresh evidence has been brought forward by independent medical men?

The MINISTER OF PENSIONS (Major Tryon)

Where fresh evidence of fact is produced which indicates that the decision was given on an incomplete knowledge of the material facts, such action is taken as may be required, including further medical examination, if this is found to be necessary to determine the specific point at issue, namely the origin of the condition complained of.

Mr. JOHNSTONE

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there are cases in which constant representations have been made to his Department about the increasingly bad health of the individuals concerned, whose pensions have been finally refused and where no fresh medical examination has been made for as long as 10 years?

Major TRYON

It is, of course, true that there may be cases in which a man's health has undoubtedly grown worse, but that is clearly not the responsibility of this Ministry, if an independent tribunal has decided that the man's illness is not due to war service.

Mr. JOHNSTONE

But if it was decided 10 years ago—

Major TRYON

The decision of the tribunal is final.