§ 25. Sir D. Robertsonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland why a car of the type supplied for seriously war disabled 100 per cent. pensioners is denied to John Kennedy McLeod of Strathnavar, late Seaforth Highlanders, who lost his right arm, right leg and use of his left shoulder in 1917, on the grounds of a shortage of cars and that he can still move his hip and knee joints to walk short distances while his artificial leg is satisfactory.
§ Mr. J. StuartMotor cars are issued only to ex-Service men who have lost both legs, one or both above the knee, or otherwise have a total or almost loss of the use of both legs. While Mr. McLeod is very severely disabled, he does not come within any of these categories, and I am sorry that I cannot regard him as qualifying for a car.
§ Sir D. RobertsonIs it not the case that a very distinguished independent surgeon who examined this man says emphatically that he does come within this category? Is it not a fact that he has been denied a car because these cars are in short supply, and is that creditable to this country which can turn out a car every 10 seconds?
§ Mr. StuartMy difficulty is that it would be very awkward if one made exceptions to the rule.
§ Mr. John MacLeodCan my right hon. Friend say how many men are waiting for cars of this kind owing to shortage of them?
§ Mr. StuartIf my hon. Friend will kindly put down a Question, I will certainly answer it.
§ Mr. StuartI may say that the conditions to which I have referred relate to the whole of the United Kingdom.
§ Sir D. RobertsonIn view of the urgent need of this seriously disabled man and the unsatisfactory answer, I wish to give notice that I intend to raise the matter at the first opportunity.