§ Mr. INSKIPasked the Pensions Minister whether he is aware that a man describing himself as Private J. C. Platts, l/6th Highland Light Infantry, with four years' war service, and wealing two wound stripes, is organ grinding in the Strand, and exhibiting a letter, dated 7th May, 1919, from the Ministry of Pensions, stating he is not entitled to any pension; that this man says he is unable to work as a motor driver and mechanic on account of wounds to his left arm, and that these injuries and his general health, due to having been gassed, prevent him from obtaining work; and whether he can do anything either to remove this man's just grievance or to prevent him from imposing on the public?
§ Sir J. CRAIGWhen Private Platts was transferred to Class Z of the Army Reserve on demobilisation he claimed pension only on account of influenza, but the medical officer who signed the Z 22 was of opinion that no disablement resulted from the influenza, which was neither caused nor aggravated by military service. In these circumstances he was not eligible for the award of any pension or gratuity. It would also appear that he has refused to undergo a month's convalescent treatment which had been arranged for him at Bournemouth by the local war pensions committee, and that he has not replied to a communication sent to him from that sub-committee asking him to go and see them. My right hon. Friend is having further inquiries made with regard to the wound in his left hand.