§ 28. Mr. D. GRENFELLasked the Minister of Pensions whether, having regard to the apparent conflict in the medical evidence and the history of the case, he will consider authorising a special inquiry into the complaints submitted by Mr. W. E. Mates, 111, Bedford Street, Newton, Sydney, New South Wales, with regard to the claim for war pension by his father, Mr. N. G. Mates, 46,477/H, residing at 33, Hardwick Street, Dublin?
§ The MINISTER of PENSIONS (Major C. Tryon)This case has been reviewed on more than one occasion Since it was determined, on the man's appeal, by the Pensions Appeal Tribunal in 1923. There is, I am advised, no evidence which would justify the further inquiry suggested.
§ Mr. GRENFELLHas the Minister given this claimant sufficient opportunity and assistance to enable him to put his case properly? Is he satisfied that he knows all the facts of the case?
§ Major TRYONI can give the hon. Member the facts. The man served for eight months only in the Curragh Camp, I believe, as a servant in the officers' mess. The case was decided by the tribunal, whose decision is final, and his son is under a misapprehension as to the nature of the iliness from which the father suffered. It was erysipelas.
§ 29. Mr. LECKIEasked the Minister of Pensions if his attention has been drawn to the case of Mrs. Florence Hughes, widow, of 45, New Mill Street, Walsall, whose husband died in February last, he then being in receipt of a disability pension for the loss of a leg and eye; and whether, seeing that the coroner's verdict, as a result of a post.-mortem inquiry, was that he died from causes brought on by War service as shown by shrapnel found in the brain, he will give consideration to the claims of this widow and make her an allowance to cover the expense she has been put to or, alternatively, grant her a widow's pension?
§ Major TRYONI am inquiring further into the facts of this case and will communicate with the hon. Member.
§ 27. Mr. DENVILLEasked the Minister of Pensions how many persons in receipt of pension have, during the past year, asked for a reconsideration of their cases; and what is the percentage in which alteration has been made?
§ Major TRYONThe records of the Department do not enable me to give the particulars asked for.
§ Mr. DENVILLEIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that very great dissatisfaction exists in the country at the administration of the Pensions Department?
§ Major TRYONNo, Sir. My hon. Friend during the present Parliament has sent me only eight cases. In seven of them no action was found to be justifiable, and in the eighth an increase of pension was granted under the normal medical procedure.