§ Mr. B. SMITHasked the Minister of Pensions whether his attention has been drawn to the case of Major F.J. Harvey, late of the Devonshire Regiment, Ministry reference O.A. 171,590, who is certified as having lost his appointment as instructor in physical training to the University of Exeter as the result of hernia and neurasthenia, two disabilities accepted by the Ministry as due to war service; and why this officer is refused pension under the Royal Warrant for 1914, as his earning capacity is seriously affected and it would appear that an award at the 1914 rate would be more beneficial than his present retired pay?
Lieut.-Colonel STANLEYIn the case referred to it has not been certified (as required by the Royal Warrant) by the regulated medical authority that the disability has seriously affected the earning capacity in civil life of this officer, who is, I understand, still carrying on his pre-War occupation. In this connection I may point out that the effect of any other conditions than those set up by the disabilities caused by military service cannot be taken into account. The question whether there is such loss of earning capacity, if any, as would justify the award of pension on the alternative pension scale will, however, be further considered.
§ Mr. WESTWOODasked the Minister of Pensions whether, in every case where a man is examined by a special board with reference to an erroneous award, and is found suffering from an assessable disability due to War service by the board, a pension is issued?
Lieut.-Colonel STANLEYIn such a case a grant could only be made if the644W Ministry were fully satisfied that serious error had occurred, or, in other words, that the minor injury or ailment if any had not already been correctly compensated in accordance with the provisions of the Royal Pension Warrants and Regulations for Final Awards.