NAVAL AND MILITARY PENSIONS AND GRANTS. (Hansard, 20 June 1934)

36. Mr. TEMPLE MORRIS
asked the Minister of Pensions whether his statistics show that ex-service men with accepted pension disabilities are needing increased medical treatment as years advance; and whether he can assure the House that such needs are fully met?

§ The MINISTER of PENSIONS (Major Tryon)
The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. The Ministry statistics show that here, as also in other countries, the demand for treatment for conditions referable to war service has been and is still declining. Even if the present trend were, as I do not anticipate, to change, the Ministry's medical facilities are ample to meet all needs, as I have satisfied myself by personal inspection.

§ Captain STRICKLAND
Does my right hon. Friend refer to the number of claims being made for better treatment or to individual cases which are increasing in intensity?

§ Major TRYON
I am referring to the point raised in the question, as to adequate accommodation for the numbers involved. I am glad to say that we have ample accommodation, and I have satisfied myself personally.

§ Captain STRICKLAND
Has the Minister's attention been directed to the fact that the question asks for statistics 374 to show that ex-service men with severe pensionable disability are needing increased medical treatment, and does not ask as to the number needing additional accommodation?

§ Major TRYON
That is the answer I gave. It is not the case that there are more demands for treatment. The numbers are continually going down in this and all other countries.

§ Captain STRICKLAND
That is just the point I want to press on the Minister. If his reply refers to numbers, it does not meet the demand that many of us feel is necessary with regard to individual cases. I am not asking about an increase in numbers, but about the increase in disability arising in individual cases.

§ Major TRYON
That is a matter relating to an entirely different subject from hospital accommodation. A certain number of cases are getting worse, and they are met by the usual arrangements.