§ Mr. GROVESasked the Minister of Pensions if he is aware that ex-service man T. Filby, No. 10121, of 46, Eve Road, E.15, is certified by his local medical man, to whom he was sent by the Pensions Department, as being totally unfit for any work as a result of his invaliding disability, and that his medical advisers at Bulinga Street certify that an escort is necessary for this man; and whether he will inquire into the circumstances of the refusal of treatment allowances?
§ Major TRYONFilby joined the Army Veterinary Corps on the 28th June, 1915. Three weeks later he was admitted to hospital at Woolwich for old-standing otitis media on both sides. Further treat- 1995W ment was given for this disability in military hospital during the short period of his home service; but Filby was eventually found unfit for military service and consequently discharged in February, 1916. There was grave reason to doubt whether this short period of home service affected his disability in any way, but he was given the benefit of any doubt there might have been and aggravation by military service was admitted. He was granted pension at varying rates until the end of 1919 when the disablement fell to less than 20 per cent., and Filby then reverted to his permanent pension under Article 1163 of the Pay Warrant. The award in his case is now final. He has had long periods of treatment at Ministry expense with full allowances. I am advised that so far as his invaliding disability (otitis media) is concerned the treatment now being provided does not necessitate abstention from work. The necessity for providing an escort does not arise in consequence of the ear condition, but in consequence of his marked neurasthenic symptoms which are not in any way connected with service. Reviewing the case as a whole I can only add that, in my view, Filby has been generously compensated for any possible consequences of his short period of home service.