HC Deb 18 December 1936 vol 318 cc2800-1
7. Mr. GEORGE HALL

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware that Mr. E. C. Stone, 4, Upper Gertrude Street, Abercynon, Glamorgan, Case 5/M/12,728, has been unable to follow his employment as a coal miner from 6th July, 1936, to date owing to a war disability; that he was requested to report to the Ministry's Cardiff and Rockwood hospital for medical examination at various times until 11th September when he was given treatment, and that during the whole time he was refused treatment allowances; and, as this man is still unable to follow his employment, will he take steps to see that treatment allowances be paid in this case from July to date?

The MINISTER OF PENSIONS (Mr. Ramsbotham)

The requirement of treatment in Mr. Stone's case did not necessitate his absence from work. He was an out-patient and attended the clinic three days a week in the morning, but had he so desired arrangements could have been made for him to attend in the evening. Treatment allowances are payable only when it can be certified that a man is prevented from working in consequence of a prescribed course of treatment. A certificate to that effect cannot be given in this case for the reasons given above and explained quite recently at some length to the hon. Member.

Mr. HALL

Is the Minister aware that this man was certified by his own medical attendant as being absolutely incapable of following his occupation, and seeing that the nature of his occupation is such that it requires very strenuous physical efforts to continue it, ought not that to be taken into consideration in the case?

Mr. RAMSBOTHAM

The hon. Member is possibly confusing two things, one, the man's possible right to disability pension and the other his right to treatment allowance. The question of disability pension might arise quite separately.

Mr. TINKER

When the Committee has been appointed to deal with these matters, will the Minister consider this aspect? I can assure him that there are many cases which are not satisfactory. Is it not worth while reviewing the whole of the circumstances, to see whether anything can be done?

Mr. RAMSBOTHAM

I am not sure to what the hon. Member refers.