§ 51. Mr. Walkdenasked the Minister of Pensions whether his attention has been called to the case of William Inglis, whose spine was shattered while he was serving in the Bethune line in November, 1918, and who, in consequence, has since been detained continuously in military hospitals, has undergone 25 operations, and who has only recently been discharged from Roehampton, receiving a pension of only 16s.a week; and whether any steps are being taken to improve this meagre allowance?
§ Commander SouthbyI have been asked to reply. The hon. Member has, I understand, been gravely misinformed about the facts of this case. The man sustained no wound during his two months' service in France from 1st October to 4th December, 1918, nor has he since been continuously in hospital. He has received pension, and has for considerable periods been under treatment, in respect of nephritis, which was considered to have been aggravated though not caused by service, and his recent discharge from Roehampton was made at his own request as he wished to resume his work.
§ Mr. WalkdenIs the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that this particular soldier had his spine shattered on the day before the Armistice, while he was serving in the line?
§ Commander SouthbyThe information contained in my answer is that the man sustained no wound during his two months' service in France.