HC Deb 14 June 1921 vol 143 cc250-1W
Mr. MACLEAN

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware that Peter Gilchrist, at present a tuberculosis patient in Stobhill Hospital, Glasgow, has had his treatment allowance stopped on the ground that he never was in the Service, although this man was present at the battle of Jutland; that an allotment of 18s. per week was paid to his wife between 13th August, 1915, and 2nd November, 1916; that the number of his certificate of identity was M.F.A. 7,484, and the allotment paid to his wife at the Anderston post office, Glasgow; and whether, in view of these facts, his treatment allowance will be restored to him together with arrears?

Major TRYON

From the information at present available this case appears to be one for the Admiralty. I am in communication with my right hon. Friend the Financial Secretary to the Admiralty regarding it.

Mr. MACLEAN

asked the Minister of Pensions whether his attention has been drawn to the case of John Wotherspoon, late No. 201,867, 19th Western battalion, Rifle Brigade, who joined up, at the age of 43, on 14th July, 1915, was passed A 1, demobilised 22nd March, 1919, category B 2, served three years and two months overseas with the Egyptian Expeditionary Force, was granted 20 per cent. pension, which was reduced by the medical board in the Adelphi Hotel, Glasgow to 5s. 6d., which expires on the 21st June, 1921; whether this man has been on treatment in the out-patient department of the Bellahouston Hospital since 2nd February; and whether, in view of his category being A 1 when he joined and B 2 on demobilisation, and the further fact that he is still receiving treatment in Bellahouston Hospital, he will reconsider this case for a continuation of the payment of his pension?

Major TRYON

This man received outpatient treatment from 2nd February to 16th April, and on the 2nd May a further course which still continues, was commenced. At present he is in receipt of full treatment allowances for himself and his wife. The final allowance of 5s. 6d. a week which was awarded for 52 weeks, is in accordance with the degree of disablement found by the medical board which examined him on 29th April, 1920. No occasion for re-assessment arises whilst the man is under treatment and receiving treatment allowances; but it is open to him, at the conclusion of treatment, to apply to his local committee to have his case reconsidered.