§ 1. Mr. Langford-Holtasked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance whether he will now reconsider his decision not to accept the claim of Mr. P. G. Nicklin, The Home Farm, Dorrington, Shropshire, in view of the fact that this claim has now been supported after consideration of all the evidence, including medical, by the Shropshire War Pensions Committee, which includes representatives of disabled ex-Service men, workmen, employers and local authorities all of whom were appointed by the Minister himself.
The Joint Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Pensions and National Insurance (Mr. W. M. F. Vane)My right hon. Friend has again been into this case and the evidence has been studied again by our senior doctors. I am afraid, however, that it was not possible to certify that Mr. Nicklin's disability arises from his service in the 1914–18 War, and it is, therefore, not possible to accept his claim.
With reference to the last part of my hon. Friend's Question, I understand that, at its meeting on 21st January, the Shropshire War Pensions Committee accepted this position.
§ Mr. Langford-HoltCan my hon. Friend tell me what is the point of referring this matter to a committee appointed by the Minister and then, when it reports favourably, again turning down its recommendation?
Mr. VaneAs usual, when my right hon. Friend receives representations from a War Pensions Committee he studies them in the light of all the medical evidence. In this case, he could see no ground for varying his previous decision, and this was explained to the War Pensions Committee and was unanimously accepted by it at its January meeting.