§ 11. Mr. Dribergasked the Minister of Pensions if he is aware that several of the disabled Polish soldiers who are to be repatriated to the Argentine on 28th March, and are leaving their present depot at Hermitage, near Newbury, on 22nd March, have been refused pensions by his Department; and if he will reconsider their claims sympathetically and urgently.
§ Mr. BuchananI understand that three cases are involved. In one case entitlement to pension has already been admitted. In the other two the men concerned were medically examined by a 2748 Ministry Medical Board on 19th March, and their cases have now been reviewed. I am glad to be able to tell the hon. Member that in each case entitlement has been admitted, and' arrangements for payment will be made as soon as my Department is notified by the Service Department of the date of cessation of Service pay.
§ Mr. DribergWhile thanking my right hon. Friend most warmly for that answer also, might I ask whether that is likely to occur before the men actually sail, or, at any rate, can they be notified of that before they sail?
§ Mr. BuchananThey are already notified. My hon. Friend has been notified, and so they will be notified. Whether we can pay before that date is doubtful, but my hon. Friend can take it that we will pay at the earliest possible moment.