§ Mr. DUFFYasked the Minister of Pensions if, having regard to the loss, inconvenience, and unnecessary suffering caused to ex-service men through having to travel from all parts of West Cumberland to Newcastle-on-Tyne for medical examinations and medical boards, he will now consider the advisability of establishing even a temporary board at Carlisle, Workington, or Whitehaven, so as to enable these men to present themselves for examination and return to their own homes on the same day, as there are now many cases where these men have to borrow money to help to defray the cost of the return journey to Newcastle-on-Tyne owing to the inadequate allowance made to them under the existing regulations?
78W
Mr. MUIRMedical boards are held at as many convenient centres as possible, but regard must be had to the numbers to be examined and the availability of medical staff. A board is held as required at Carlisle, which is employed for West Cumberland cases except where, for special reasons, it is necessary to summon the man to Newcastle-on-Tyne. The number of men to be examined would not warrant the expense of establishing a board at Whitehaven or Workington, which would also often necessitate summoning specialists from long distances. I may add that, except in the case of very short journeys, the man is provided with a return railway warrant before commencing his journey.
§ Earl WINTERTONasked the Minister of Pensions the reason for the delay in the holding of the special medical board on the case of Mr. Frederick Stevens, late No. 65,729, Royal Engineers, of 12, Market Square, Horsham, Sussex; and if the Board can be held immediately, in view of the fact that Mr. Stevens is in poor circumstances?
Mr. ROBERTSI regret the delay which has occurred in this case. Arrangements were, however, made for the man to be medically examined at his home on the 23rd instant, and the case will be dealt with as expeditiously as possible.