§ Mr. W. BAKERasked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware that the appeals of 300,000 men against the termination of their pensions have been rejected by the appeal tribunal on the ground that they were out of date; and whether he will consider the desirability of amending the Final Award Regulations, made under the War Pensions Act, 1921, so that men whose pensions have ceased and whose disabilities have recurred or increased may be given facilities to obtain a pension in accordance with the degree of disablement due to war service?
Lieut.-Colonel STANLEYI do not know from what source the hon. Member obtained his figures, but they are seriously overstated. The total number of cases rejected is not 300,000, but 5,000. Rejection in these cases is a matter not of the Regulations but of Statute. I would, however, point out that medical treatment at the hands of the Ministry (with allowances, if necessary) is available in cases of final award. Where in any exceptional case as a result of medical treatment and observation the Ministry find that serious and permanent error has occurred in declaring the award final, arrangements are already in operation, as my right hon. Friend has previously stated in this House, whereby further grant of compensation may be and is being made.