HC Deb 29 November 1950 vol 481 cc1146-7
38. Brigadier Prior-Palmer

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will consider the payment of some form of compensation to Mr. R. Alton who is suffering severe disability as a result of filaria contracted while in the Colonial Service, and the facts of whose case have been communicated to him.

Mr. Dugdale

Mr. Alton received the full awards for which he was eligible on his retirement from the Colonial Service on account of ill-health. There is no provision in the Nigerian pensions law under which any further award could be made.

Brigadier Prior-Palmer

Is there nothing that can be done for this man in his present condition? Is the Minister aware that it has taken nearly six years for this disease to be diagnosed, during which time [...] has been put to considerable expense, to the extent of £250? Is there nothing which can be done to reimburse him for that expense?

Mr. Dugdale

He has been granted the pension to which he is entitled, of £500 a year, and a gratuity of £1,368 over and above that.