HC Deb 24 October 1950 vol 478 cc2693-4
38. Mr. C. S. Taylor

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will reconsider the application of Major J. W. M. Denton, that his retirement in February, 1949, may be classed as on account of disability, in view of the fact that, although found unfit earlier he remained on duty at the request of the then colonel of his regiment, until he could be replaced, and in consequence has suffered considerable financial loss.

Mr. M. Stewart

This matter has already been very carefully considered and I cannot add anything to the replies already given to the hon. Member.

Mr. Taylor

Is the Minister prepared to make inquiries from the medical officer of the unit to get evidence, which could be confirmed by the colonel of the regiment, to see whether this man's statement is correct or not?

Mr. Stewart

This is not a question of the correctness of the man's statement. This gentleman is claiming something to which he would be entitled if he had been invalided out of the Army. It is a fact not in dispute that he was not invalided out of the Army.

Mr. Taylor

Yes, but is not it a fact that he was to have been invalided out of the Army and that he remained on after that at the request of the colonel of the regiment?

Mr. Stewart

No. He was not at any time invalided out of the Army.

Mr. Taylor

I beg to give notice that I will raise this matter again at the earliest opportunity.