§ 27. Mr. E. Smithasked the Secretary of State for War on what scale are the 1996 Territorials and Militiamen and their dependants to be compensated should they receive an injury, or be incapacitated, or sustain permanent disablement while on service?
§ Mr. Hore-BelishaA Territorial or Militiaman who is injured or otherwise contracts a disability while on service will be treated like a regular soldier during the period of embodiment or initial training, and, if discharged as permanently unfit for further service on account of an attributable disability, will be eligible for a disability award under the ordinary pension code applicable to regular soldiers.
§ Mr. SilvermanIn the case of disputed claims will there be any opportunity of third party judgment, or will the War Office and the Ministry of Pensions continue to be the judge in their own case?
§ Mr. Hore-BelishaThe position will be, as I have stated, on all fours with that of the regular soldier.
§ Mr. BuchananWill an injured man have any personal right of appeal, or of appearance, either by himself or with a representative, before any board that decides his compensation?
§ Mr. Hore-BelishaNo, Sir. there is no court at all. His case will be on all fours with that of the regular soldier.
§ Mr. BuchananCan the Secretary of State for War state why this man is treated differently from anyone in civil life or who served in the Great War by having no right of personal appearance or of representation when the case is decided?
§ Mr. Hore-BelishaThere was an opportunity of discussing that matter on the Bill. I have answered the question on the Paper.