HC Deb 26 June 1963 vol 679 c1335
37. Dr. D. Johnson

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will reconsider his decision in regard to the refusal of a resettlement grant for 23517380 Guardsman E. J. Richardson, Scots Guards, discharged from the service consequent on the loss of his right eye owing to an accident sustained while on training.

Mr. Ramsden

No, Sir. Resettlement grants were paid to soldiers who were discharged during the period of major redundancy with at least 15 years' service or who were invalided from engagements for at least 15 years. Guardsman Richardson was given a free discharge, and as he had less than 15 years' service he did not qualify for a resettlement grant.

Dr. Johnson

I thank my hon. Friend for the interest he has shown in this case. Can he not do anything for this badly wounded man who was injured accidentally in the course of honourable service? Does my hon. Friend realise that, while my constituent appreciates the interest he has shown, what he really wants is a resettlement grant that will enable him to enlist or make a useful life for himself in an alternative service, for which his attainments so well fit him?

Mr. Ramsden

I appreciate the point my hon. Friend makes and, of course, we have had a lengthy correspondence about it. I think that the answer to his constituent's concern is that Guardsman Richardson is receiving a disability pension, for which he is eligible, and this is open to reassessment in the normal way if his condition were to deteriorate.