HC Deb 30 April 1941 vol 371 cc427-8
28. Mr. Mander

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he is now in a position to state why a pension has been refused to 4915129, Sergeant J. Foster, of Wolverhampton, who was graded A1 when he entered the Army on 25th August, 1939, and was discharged as C3 on 16th June, 1940, as there was,no previous history of chest trouble, but on discharge he was suffering from chronic bronchitis?

The Minister of Pensions (Sir Walter Womersley)

The hon. Member would appear to be misinformed. Mr. Foster himself admitted long-standing chest trouble and this has been confirmed by clinical and X-ray examination. Pension could only be granted if it could be certified that his service had brought about material aggravation of this condition. I am advised by my medical officers, however, that Mr. Foster's service during the present war cannot be held to have caused any such aggravation. in these circumstances I am unable to grant a pension in Mr. Foster's case.

Mr. Mander

Is it not the case that it is the Minister who is misinformed? Is he aware that this man was taken into the Army after medical examination as A1, and after nearly a year's service was discharged as C3, and is it not intolerable that in those conditions the Department should seek to put their responsibility aside?

Sir W. Womersley

There is no evidence whatever that Mr. Foster was graded A1. He joined the Territorial Army in 1937, and was embodied on 25th August, 1939. There is no record of any examination at the latter date. [HON. MEMBERS: "Why not?"] Do not ask me that question. The man told the invaliding board that he had suffered from bronchitis off and on since childhood. His service was all at home.

Mr. James Griffiths

Does the Minister realise that every week there are cases of this kind and in view of that, does he not consider it absolutely essential that an independent arbitration tribunal should now be set up?

Sir W. Womersley

There are one or two cases coming up each week out of the millions of men who have joined the Forces. There is an appeal to an independent medical specialist and that is the appeal which we grant to anyone in whose case there is any doubt whatever. In this case there is not the slightest possible doubt.

Sir Henry Morris-Jones

Can my right Friend say—

Mr. Speaker

These supplementary questions go beyond the Question on the Order Paper.