HC Deb 20 March 1941 vol 370 cc278-80
20. Mr. J. Griffiths

asked the Minister of Pensions why a disability pension was refused to Mr. D. B. Thomas, 2, Welch Terrace, Dafen, Llanelly, as, in November, 1939, this man was graded A 1 by a medical board, in August, 1940, he was discharged as permanently unfit for any form of military service; and whether he will reconsider his decision because, prior to enlistment, Mr. Thomas had been in regular employment, while since discharge he has been declared to be fit for light sedentary work only, and has failed to secure such employment?

Sir W. Womersley

Mr. Thomas had only a very few days' effective service. He was, in fact, admitted to hospital three days after being called up and was only discharged from treatment three weeks before his final discharge from service. I am advised that the condition which led to his invaliding could not have been affected by his service, and this judgment was confirmed by an independent medical specialist. In these circumstances I have no power to make any award.

Mr. Griffiths

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that, whatever the number of days this man served, for many years previously he had followed an occupation requiring skill and also involving manual labour, and that since his discharge from the Army he has been declared to be fit only for the lightest kinds of work, which are very difficult to obtain? Does he not recognise that there is some obligation to young men who, before being taken into the Army, are able to do their normal work, and afterwards are declared to be unfit? And on the question of the final medical assessment, does the right hon. Gentleman not think that it is desirable for a specialist, before finally pronouncing on a case, to see the person involved and examine him?

Sir W. Womersley

Desiring to be definitely certain that my medical officers were right, I took advantage of that section of the scheme which allowed me to call in an independent medical specialist nominated by the Royal College of Physicians. His report was definitely that the man's ailment was not due to his service. That being so, the matter was settled.

Mr. A. Bevan

Is it not now clear to the right hon. Gentleman that a very large number of individual pension cases will be put on the Order Paper unless some form of appeal against his decision is provided for, and will he consider that matter?

Sir W. Womersley

This case was the subject of an appeal.

Mr. Bevan

To you?

Sir W. Womersley

No, to an independent medical specialist, who gave his verdict.

Mr. J. Griffiths

Does the right hon. Gentleman think that an independent opinion given merely on the basis of the papers, without the specialist having an opportunity of examining the man, is satisfactory?

Sir W. Womersley

These independent medical referees can, if they so desire, examine the men. We must bow to their judgment if they do not think it is necessary. There are circumstances in this case of which the hon. Member is evidently not aware, and I shall be glad if he will come and see the papers.

Mr. Rhys Davies

Does not the fault lie with the medical boards, which are not doing their job properly?

Sir W. Womersley

That is a matter for the War Office.

Mr. J. Griffiths

Owing to the importance of this case, I beg to give notice that I propose to raise the matter on the Adjournment at the first opportunity.

Sir W. Womersley

I shall be delighted.