HC Deb 14 March 1938 vol 333 cc10-1
15. Mr. Sorensen

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he will increase the rates of pension to those ex-service men who are unable properly to follow their employment and who are in receipt of a single man's pension, although they have married since the original grant of their pension?

The Minister of Pensions (Mr. Ramsbotham)

Disability pensions are governed solely by the extent of physical disablement arising out of war service. I have no authority to increase the rates in in-individual cases, on the ground of difficulty in following a particular employment.

Mr. Sorensen

Does the Minister realise that there are very grave hardships arising from the situation involved in this question, and will he sympathetically consider the matter?

Mr. Ramsbotham

Many great hardships would arise if the principle were altered.

16. Mr. Sorensen

asked the Minister of Pensions how many pensioners are still receiving medical or hospital treatment at Roehampton and elsewhere; whether he is aware that many of such patients lose their employment in consequence of constant or prolonged interruptions of employment due to this necessary treatment; whether he will see that the charge of 19s. for treatment at Roehampton is reduced; and whether he will charge patients only up to the day of discharge and not for any period subsequent thereto?

Mr. Ramsbotham

The number of inpatients in Roehampton and other hospitals (apart from mental hospitals) is 2,128. Arrangements have been made, in conjunction with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour by which patients in all Ministry hospitals who are unable to return to their former employment may, a week before their discharge, notify the Employment Exchange of their district and so receive prior consideration for fresh employment. The allowances which are payable in addition to free treatment are, under the terms of the Royal Warrant, at fixed weekly rates and are paid weekly in advance. Adjustments between allowances and pension on a daily basis would not be administratively practicable.

Mr. Sorensen

Is the Minister aware of the custom that obtains of charging 19s.—a rather heavy amount—for treatment, after the patient has left?

Mr. Ramsbotham

The 19s. represents not a charge for treatment but maintenance allowance in hospital, and is less than half the cost of maintenance. The hon. Member suggests an increased allowance, for which I see no justification.

Mr. Sorensen

Does the Minister not realise that that leaves the patient very often in a difficult financial position? Will he make an impartial inquiry into the very serious discontent at Roehampton and other places?

Mr. Ramsbotham

As far as I know, the position is giving general satisfaction.