HC Deb 20 January 1942 vol 377 cc185-6
19. Mr. Bellenger

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that officers and other ranks who have served overseas in the present war and have subsequently been discharged owing to medical unfitness or ill-health but have not been granted a pension, are not eligible to receive a silver badge for services rendered, issued through the Ministry of Pensions; and, in view of this inequality, whether he will take steps to deal with the matter?

The Joint Under-Secretary of State for War (Sir Edward Grigg)

As my right hon. Friend the Lord Privy Seal stated in the House on 7th August, a badge is issued to those invalided from the Naval, Military and Air Forces, and the Merchant Navy and Fishing Fleet, through wounds or war disablement attributable to service since 3rd September, 1939. The suggestion of the hon. Member has been considered, but it has been decided that the issue of this badge must be specifically limited to personnel invalided on grounds of attributable disability.

Mr. Bellenger

Is it correct that they must first qualify and obtain a pension before they can be eligible for the issue of this badge?

Sir E. Grigg

The disability has to be proved to be attributable before the badge can be issued.

Mr. Bellenger

In fact, they have to be in receipt of a pension before they can get this badge.

Sir E. Grigg

I will inquire into that point, though the fact that the disability has to be proved to be attributable is nearly the same thing as qualifying for a pension.