HC Deb 18 March 1963 vol 674 cc4-5
3. Mr. Strachey

asked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance if he is aware that Miss C. C. Thomson, whose papers have been submitted to him, was placed in medical category A on enlistment, was subsequently downgraded to category C2 within six months of enlistment, and was retained in the service for three more years; and, in view of the fact that Miss Thomson is now suffering from Cushing's syndrome which appears to have been partly due to Service life, why he will not grant her a pension.

Mr. N. Macpherson

I am aware of the facts stated in the first part of the Question. I cannot award a pension under the Royal Warrant to Miss Thomson because the Pensions Appeal Tribunal disallowed her claim on appeal and I am bound by its decision, which is by Statute final.

Mr. Strachey

Is not the Minister aware that further medical evidence was presented to him and, as he has stated to me, he is able to review these cases if the medical evidence is presented? Does not he agree that either Miss Thomson was suffering from this distressing disease when she enlisted, in which case she ought never to have been graded A 1 and deserves a pension, or she developed the disease later during her service—which is highly likely to have been attributable—in which case she ought to have been awarded a pension on this ground? Will not the right hon. Gentleman reconsider this very distressing case?

Mr. Macpherson

I agree that it is a distressing case, but the only kind of fresh evidence which could be considered is fresh medical evidence as opposed to a different view or opinion. I am informed that all the relevant facts were before the Tribunal at the time. It is, of course, quite possible for somebody to have the germ of a constitutional disease which cannot be diagnosed at the time of admission into the Services.

Mr. Strachey

What can fresh medical evidence be except a fresh medical opinion with a different view of the case? That has been submitted to the Minister.

Mr. Macpherson

I do not think that is so, with respect. The opinion that was submitted was based on a tentative hypothesis.