§ 32. Commander Maitlandasked the Minister of Pensions why the cash payment made to disabled ex-Service men who have artificial limbs to compensate them for the extra wear on their clothes, is not made to men who, while they have no artificial limbs, are still in receipt of a special grant of clothing coupons.
§ Mr. MarquandThe provision in the War Pension Instruments for an allowance for wear and tear of clothing applies to all pensioners who suffer exceptional wear and tear of clothing by reason of their was disablement. All amputees who wear artificial limbs are eligible for this grant.
§ Commander MaitlandDoes not the right hon. Gentleman realise that there are some cases of disabled persons who have not had limbs amputated but who are, and very properly, in receipt of extra coupons, thus indicating their need to have extra clothing? In some of these cases, they do not get an extra cash grant. Can he look into this matter and see whether it would not be more equitable, when coupons are granted, to grant the extra cash payment as well?
§ Mr. MarquandWe make the cash grant to compensate for extra wear and tear, but there may be cases—I do not know; this is a matter for the President of the Board of Trade—where extra clothing is given for some reason where no extra wear and tear is incurred. But wherever extra wear and tear is incurred, we are certainly prepared to make the payment.