HC Deb 06 March 1935 vol 298 cc1940-1
50. Mr. GUY

asked the Minister of Pensions the number of Scottish war-pension cases which were remitted to an independent medical specialist during the year covered by the last annual report?

The MINISTER of PENSIONS (Major Tryon)

Two Scottish cases were so referred during the year ended 31st March last.

Mr. GUY

Will the Minister of Pensions consider extending the use of the independent medical specialists in appropriate cases?

Major TRYON

The year to which the hon. Member refers appears to have been altogether exceptional. Over 100 Scottish cases have been referred to these independent specialists, and we are making use of them wherever desirable.

51. Mr. GUY

asked the Minister of Pensions the total number of appeals which were heard by the pensions appeal tribunals during the year covered by the last annual report; and in how many cases the appeals were successful?

Major TRYON

The total number of appeals heard was 964, of which 227 were successful.

52. Brigadier-General NATION

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware that Annie Earl, of 10, Florence Avenue, Hull, daughter of the late Gunner John William Earl, No. 118603, Royal Garrison Artillery, who was killed in action in July, 1918, has, since birth, suffered from mental deficiency and is permanently and totally incapable of contributing towards her own support; and whether, having regard to this fact, he will authorise the re-issue of war orphan's allowance, or, alternatively, will he apply to the Treasury for special sanction?

Major TRYON

The reasons which preclude me from authorising the re-issue of the allowance which ceased under the terms of the Royal Warrant when the young person referred to reached the age of 21 years, were explained in the reply which I gave on the 5th February to the hon. Member for Rhondda, East (Mr. Mainwaring), of which I am sending my hon. and gallant Friend a copy.

Mr. SMEDLEY CROOKE

Will the right hon. and gallant Gentleman consider the latter part of the question and obtain from the Treasury discretionary powers to enable him to continue allowances in these distressing cases, as he does in a similar type of case where the mother is also dead?

Major TRYON

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to him on that point quite recently.