HC Deb 22 June 1954 vol 529 cc207-9
6. Mrs. Mann

asked the Secretary of State for War how much, in terms of cash per week, has been given to James Rooney, 13, Douglas Street, Coatbridge, in respect of his claim for a pension arising out of the loss of an eye in 1903; how much retrospective payment has been made to him; and how much would have been due to him if his claim had been considered retrospectively since the date of his injury over 50 years ago.

The Secretary of State for War (Mr. Antony Head)

Twenty-two shillings a week from 27th October, 1953. As the hon. Member knows, Mr. Rooney has no entitlement and is getting this pension as a special compassionate case. The award cannot be retrospective to 1903.

Mrs. Mann

Might I ask the right hon. Gentleman why he alleges that Rooney is not entitled to a pension? Is it not as clear as daylight that he lost his eye in a barrack room in 1903 and worked for 50 years down a mine, and does not the right hon. Gentleman think that it is rather shabby treatment of such a fine old ex-Guardsman?

Mr. Head

No, Sir. This injury was ruled at the time as not being sustained while in the execution of military duty. It is not for me to go into the reasons for that ruling but, in view of the representations of the hon. Lady, a special compassionate pension has been allowed. It will be allowed for the future, but it cannot be retrospective.

9. Mr. Teeling

asked the Secretary of State for War why the Territorial Army training of Mr. M. Webber, who is the chef at the Beach Hotel, Regency Square, Brighton, cannot be deferred from 31st July, which period covers the August Bank Holiday and the busiest time for hotels in Brighton; for what work he is required by his Department; and whether it is essential for war training.

Mr. Head

Mr. Webber is needed as a cook for the annual camp of his unit. The unit is very short of cooks and he cannot be spared. Both Mr. Webber and his employer have known for some time when Mr. Webber was required.

Mr. Teeling

Does my right hon. Friend not realise that in seaside holiday resorts, rather like on farms, there are certain periods of the year when it is absolutely essential that we should have specialised workers, and these chefs are urgently needed in the hotels? Is he aware that this man happens to be quite well known as a very good chef? Would it not be better from the point of view of holidaymakers and particularly of raising money from tourists from abroad that my right hon. Friend should obtain a cook from somewhere other than a seaside resort at this time of year?

Mr. Head

This is the time when the man's unit holds its annual camp. I am sorry that it is the Bank Holiday season, but my hon. Friend must realise that the Army also marches on its stomach.

Mr. Bottomley

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the British Travel and Holidays Association have made representations for the release of this chef?

Mr. Head

Yes, Sir. This man has had several periods of week-end training shifted, including one over the Whitsun holiday, but this is the annual period of camp for his unit and it is right that Territorials should go to camp with their unit. I know that this is inconvenient to the hotel, but I understand that there are other workers in the kitchen there.

Mr. Bottomley

Should not the right hon. Gentleman consider favourably representations made by the B.H.T.A., who have the responsibility for encouraging the tourist industry in this country?

Mr. Head

Yes, Sir. If I thought that the clients of this hotel were going to starve or have disgusting food it would be a different matter.

Mr. Teeling

The reply is very unsatisfactory and I beg to give notice that I shall raise the question again.