HC Deb 14 June 1938 vol 337 cc76-7W
Captain McEwen

asked the Minister of Pensions whether it is within the power of his Ministry to authorise back payments in compensation for disability, and not merely as from the date of application?

Mr. Ramsbotham

The date from which any award of pension is properly payable is the date from which it is certified that the man's condition justifies that award, but this general rule has been allowed to be modified in the practice of the Ministry to the extent that payment is normally made from the date of the application which results in the establishment of the claim. The circumstances in which an award could be authorised from an earlier date would be wholly exceptional.