HC Deb 01 May 1919 vol 115 cc367-8W
Mr. LUNN

asked the Pensions Minister whether Private Jennings, late No. C\778 48th battalion, King's Royal Rifles, East Castle Street, Skipton, who upon enlistment in 1915 was an apprentice as a textile designer, and was discharged in April, 1918, suffering from D. A. H. and gunshot wounds, can now be allowed to continue his training as a textile designer as desired by the man and recommended by the local war pensions committee?

Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANS

As this man was not prevented by his disability from resuming his pre-enlistment occupation he was not eligible for training under the Royal Warrant. The Ministry of Labour are, however, dealing with cases of interrupted apprenticeships and I understand that inquiries are being made by them to see whether the man can be trained under their scheme.

Mr. LUNN

asked the Pensions Minister whether he is aware that the disability of Flying Cadet F. Wilkinson, late No. 92014, Royal Air Force, of Charles Street, Brighouse, was first accepted by the Ministry as being attributable to service and was afterwards reversed, although the man's claim was strongly supported by the medical referee of the West Riding; and whether he will agree to Wilkinson restarting his training in chemical work at Barnsley, where he was making satisfactory progress, and that the allowances paid to him shall be continued until he has completed the necessary course of training?

Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANS

The difficulty from which Cadet Wilkinson is suffering was in no way connected with his service but originated, according to his own statement, in an accident which occurred to him while at home on leave. By an error, which they have since admitted and corrected, the special medical board endorsed the papers with a recommendation for pension. As a result, Mr. Wilkinson was allowed to begin a course of training, which has now had to be discontinued as training can only be given under the Warrant to men whose disabilities are due to service. I am, however, calling the attention of my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour to this case.