§ 12. Mr. Osborneasked the Minister of Pensions why he has refused the application for surgical boots of ex-Sergeant John Lewis of Saltfleet, near Louth, who, at the age of 84, has no other means of paying for them except his pension; and, in view of the correspondence sent to him, if he will have the case reconsidered.
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Pensions (Mr. Simmons)No application for surgical boots for Mr. Lewis has been refused by the Ministry. Following the hon. Member's recent representations, my right hon. Friend has arranged for Mr. Lewis to be provided with a pair of boots, the cost of which has been met from the King's Fund. The boots are being adapted to meet his requirements.
§ Mr. OsborneWhile thanking the Minister for that reply, may I ask whether he can assure the House that there are no more cases like this?
§ Mr. SimmonsNo, Sir. Our Welfare Department looks after cases which are strictly outside the responsibility of the Minister, and this is one such case.