HC Deb 04 December 1941 vol 376 cc1254-6
59 and 61. Sir R. Young

asked the Minister of Pensions (1) why the pension of William W. Nicholson, Ministry's reference B.11/M2/790, is from 1st July, 1941, and not from date of discharge on medical grounds?

(2), whether John H. Driver, ex-sergeant, Royal Air Force, Ministry of Pensions reference B5/M3/3962, is in receipt of a pension; what was the date of his discharge from the Army on medical grounds; whether his pension dates from the day of discharge; and, if not, will he state the reason for an altered date?

The Minister of Pensions (Sir Walter Womersley)

Mr. Nicholson and Mr. Driver were discharged in the early part of 1940, and pension was originally refused on the ground that the aggravation by service of their pre-enlistment disabilities was not material. In accordance, however, with my undertaking their cases were reviewed retrospectively under the new interpretation of material aggravation, and a pension awarded from the beginning of July of this year, which was when I announced the application of the new arrangements.

Sir R. Young

Would it not be advisable to notify the organisations concerned with these matters of the explanation in connection with Questions of this sort?

Sir W. Womersley

I understand that the hon. Member put the Questions particularly on behalf of a certain organisation. Perhaps he will send them a copy of my answer. If they write to me, certainly I will give them the information.

Sir R. Young

As each of these Questions cost a considerable amount of money, would it not be better to inform the organisations of the explanation?

Sir W. Womersley

It would be better if the hon. Member would see me personally about these matters.

60. Sir R. Young

asked the Minister of Pensions, regarding Miss Thora Saunders, formerly third officer, Women's Royal Naval Service, Ministry's reference BO/Fi/53, on what grounds a pension was refused; and whether "Not attributable "refers to length of service or pre- disposition to the illness causing discharge from the Service?

Sir W. Womersley

Miss Saunders was refused a pension on the ground that her disability is of pre-war origin, and the nature of her service in an office was not such as to affect the condition.

Mr. Mathers

Does not the right hon. Gentleman realise that Questions of this kind point to the necessity for some independent review of such cases?

Sir W. Womersley

They point to the necessity for hon. Members to accept the invitation which I have time and again given that they should see me personally about any cases in which they are interested.

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