HC Deb 30 May 1938 vol 336 cc1637-8
20. Mr. Tinker

asked the Minister of Pensions whether, when evidence is submitted by an applicant for pension in which it is stated that the ex-service man's condition is due to some extent to his War experience acting on his mind, his Department calls in a psychologist to assist in determining the case?

The Minister of Pensions (Mr. Ramsbotham)

In every case in which an applicant produces evidence to show that his mind has been affected by his War service, an expert in mental diseases is consulted.

21. Mr. Lawson

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware that Mrs. Hackett, 6, Thornton's Fold. Beamish, county Durham, has been refused a pension as dependant of her late husband, who had been a permanent invalid since being badly shell-shocked in the War; and whether he will reconsider this decision?

Mr. Ramsbotham

This case has been fully reviewed, but, as I have informed the hon. Member, my medical advisers find themselves quite unable to certify Mr. Hackett's death as connected with his War service. I have, therefore, no authority to vary the decision already communicated to Mrs. Hackett, but I may point out that she has a right of appeal to the independent Pensions Appeal Tribunal.

Mr. Lawson

Is the Minister aware hat this man was an extremely bad case of shell shock, and that his whole body twitched with jerks; and that the entire neighbourhood was disturbed about the refusal of a pension to the widow? Will he give the matter serious consideration?

Mr. Ramsbotham

As I assume that the widow will have the right of appeal to the War Pensions Committee, it would be unwise for me to take action.

Mr. Lawson

Why is it that, in a perfectly obvious case of this description, the Minister refuses to give a pension to the man's widow? May I ask the Prime Minister whether he is aware of the very serious disturbance in all parts of the country, on a matter of which this case is a very glaring instance; and will he have an inquiry into the whole matter?

The Prime Minister

The hon. Gentleman takes me at a disadvantage, as I do not know anything about this case at all. As I understand my hon. Friend, he says the case is likely to be the subject of an appeal. If that is so, I do not see that I can do more about it.

Mr. Lawson

Will the right hon. Gentleman—

Mr. Speaker

We really must get on with the Questions on the Paper.

Mr. Lawson

Could you not give a little more than ordinary latitude, Mr. Speaker, on this kind of thing, because it is a sample of the refusal of pensions which is causing considerable disturbance in all parts of the country? Could I not ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he will give the matter very serious consideration?