HC Deb 18 March 1957 vol 567 cc27-8
43. Mr. A. Henderson

asked the Minister of Health what action he proposes to take to ensure that all civilians who suffered serious disability as a result of enemy action in the United Kingdom during the 1914–18 war are given adequate disability pensions.

Mr. Vosper

I regret that I cannot now re-open the award of ex-gratia payments to civilians disabled in the 1914–18 war.

Mr. Henderson

One of my constituents was injured in an air raid on Tipton in 1916 when he was thirteen. Since then he has received no payment from the Government. Would it not be more equitable to treat the small number of civilians who were injured as a result of enemy action in the First World War in the same way as those injured in the Second World War, by giving them a disability pension, even at this late stage?

Mr. Vosper

I am aware of this case, and I looked at it most closely, but my responsibility in this matter ceased in 1922, since when no awards have been made, and I have no means at my disposal for helping this particular case.

Mr. Simmons

The Minister will be aware that only nineteen persons are involved, and that all are between sixty-three and sixty-five and will not qualify under the Ministry of Pensions award to the ageing disabled ex-Service men. Why should those who suffered in the war of 1914–18 have treatment inferior to that received by those who suffered in the Second World War?

Mr. Vosper

I may have misunderstood the hon. Member, but the awards to which he referred were all made before 1922. What his right hon. and learned Friend is now asking is that I should make an award thirty-five years later, which is what. I am afraid, I cannot do.

Mr. Henderson

In view of the Minister's unsatisfactory reply, I beg to give notice that I shall raise the matter on the Adjournment at the earliest possible opportunity.