§ 17. Mr. Gammansasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs why three months' delay has taken place in coming to a decision regarding the case of Mr. J. A. Thompson, late of the Control Commission, who was invalided from Germany suffering from tuberculosis.
Mr. McNeilAs the hon. Member knows, a supplementary award has been granted in this case, payable from the last day on which salary was received from the Control Commission. I must apologise to the hon. Member for the delay in this case, but it has been necessary to collect detailed evidence from Germany and examine it closely in conjunction with the terms of the Injury Warrant.
§ Mr. GammansAre the Government accepting responsibility in regard to the tuberculosis which this man contracted, or is his family just getting the award that anyone in this country receives under certain conditions when he contracts tuberculosis?
Mr. McNeilAs I understand it, aggravation has been accepted, but I am informed that, as is normal in such cases, the case will be reviewed in conjunction with the available medical evidence at the appropriate period.
§ Captain John CrowderCan the Minister say what the Foreign Office mean when they write and say that they have given a personal grant to a man who contracted tuberculosis, and that the case will be reviewed later? Does it mean a pension or a lump-sum payment?
Mr. McNeilAt great risk, I should say that that is not language which I personally have employed. Perhaps the hon. and gallant Gentleman will bring such a letter to my notice, when I will be glad to look into it.