§ Mr. CLUSEasked the Minister of Pensions the number of men who during the past three years have had their diagnosis changed from attributed to service to aggravated by service; and how many of these have subsequently lost their pensions because the aggravation had passed away?
§ Major TRYONDuring the past three years, in the case of less than 2 per cent. of the men in receipt of pension, or about 18,000 men has a disability been found on medical grounds to have been aggravated or worsened by service, instead of attributable to it. In 3,500 cases, on the other hand, the diagnosis has been changed from aggravated to attributable. The records of the Ministry do not enable the last part of the question to be answered.
§ Captain W. BENNasked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware that a pensioner whose claim to further pension has been refused on the grounds that his disability had passed away, can still apply 536W for and obtain treatment and allowances; whether he will consider taking steps to remedy this anomaly; and whether his attention has been drawn to the case of Mr. Alexander Carruthers who, for another reason, cannot claim pension but can claim treatment and full allowances?
§ Major TRYONIt is not the rule that a man in whose case it has been decided that disablement has passed away is entitled to claim further treatment with allowances. The case of Mr. Alexander Carruthers, to which the hon. and gallant Member refers, is not of this class. I am looking personally into the case, and if it is found that an error has occurred steps will be taken to put it right.