§ 23. Mr. Delargyasked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance why Mr. A. J. Ferdinand, 19, Templer Avenue, Chadwell-St.-Mary, Essex, is not receiving a 100 per cent. disability pension.
§ The Joint Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Pensions and National Insurance (Mr. Richard Sharples)Because the complaint from which this gentleman suffers was not caused by his war service but aggravated thereby, the assessment of his disablement for war pensions purposes is based on the extent of such aggravation. As the hon. Member is aware, it is open to Mr. Ferdinand to appeal against his assessment to the Pensions Appeal Tribunal.
§ Mr. DelargyIs it not a fact that this man is totally disabled as a result of sickness contracted on Army service? Is it not a fact that when he was assessed at 40 per cent. disability, he was only 40 per cent. disabled, but, as everybody knew, his sickness was of a progressive nature, and bound to get worse? Now he is totally disabled as a result of the sickness contracted during his Army service. Why should he not receive a 100 per cent. disability pension without having to appeal to anybody?
§ Mr. SharplesAs I told the hon. Gentleman in our correspondence, until 27th May this man has a right of appeal against his current assessment to an independent pensions appeal tribunal. It is very much better that this question should be thrashed out before an independent appeal tribunal rather than on the Floor of the House.