HC Deb 28 July 1938 vol 338 cc3279-81
29. Dr. Haden Guest

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware of the circumstances leading to the death of Major Stuart Blackmore, chief medical adviser, Air-raid Precautions Department, Home Office, as a result of overwork and other adverse conditions, and that Major Blackmore has left a widow and two children, one of school age; and whether he will inquire into all the circumstances and into the propriety of recommending special provision for the dependants?

Sir S. Hoare

Major Blackmore was a valued servant of the Air-Raid Precautions Department, of which he had been chief medical officer since early in 1936, and his recent death was a great loss to the Department. I much regret that it is not possible to make any grant to the widow from public funds. No pension is payable to the widow of any civil servant, whether established or unestab- lished and a gratuity is only payable in the case of an unestablished officer where at the time of his death he had not less than 15 years' service.

Dr. Guest

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that Major Blackmore was 51 years of age; that immediately before entering the service of the Home Office, he took out a life insurance and was passed as a first-class life; that certificates exist showing that in the opinion of the doctors who attended him, the unusual and extraordinary circumstances of his work materially contributed to his death; and would the Home Secretary, in view of these facts, not consider this as an altogether special case?

Sir S. Hoare

I am afraid that even if the facts are as the hon. Member has stated—and I have no reason to doubt the accuracy of his statement—I am bound by Statute law, and have no power in the case at all.

Dr. Guest

Will the right hon. Gentleman further investigate the matter and, in particular, inquire why on 16th July, seven days before Major Blackmore's death, a letter was sent to him informing him that his pay had been stopped, which was, of course, to a man on his death-bed, a knock-out blow; and cannot these circumstances be taken into further consideration?

Sir S. Hoare

I will certainly look into that point. The information which I have here goes to show that we have tried to treat this case with the greatest possible sympathy. Major Blackmore was ill upon several occasions during the time of his employment by the Air-Raid Precautions Department, and I think those who knew the circumstances of the case at the time, will say that we have treated the case with the greatest Sympathy.

Sir Percy Harris

Is not this a case for the Prime Minister's consideration, in connection with the Civil List?

Sir S. Hoare

I will consider the suggestion, but I am afraid we could not adopt it.

Sir John Anderson

Without particular reference to this particular case, will my right hon. Friend do his best to ensure that these conditions of prolonged and severe over-work shall not persist in a Department which should always retain some margin of strength against possible contingencies?

Sir S. Hoare

Certainly. I am afraid that all the principal officials in the Air-Raid Precautions Department have been working under great pressure during the last few months. I will take note of the question asked by my right hon. Friend.