§ Sir Smedley Crookeasked the Minister of Pensions the number of pension claims that have been referred to independent medical specialists since the commencement of the war in accordance with Part 1, paragraph iv., of the 1940 Royal Warrant; and of such number, in how many cases did the specialist personally examine the claimant?
§ Sir W. WomersleySince the beginning of the war 96 cases have arisen which were considered to require reference to an independent medical expert on the ground of serious doubt or difficulty on the medical evidence. In 38 of these claims the claim arose in respect of death. Of the 58 claimants in respect of disablement the independent expert, who has unfettered discretion in the matter, decided to examine eight. Personal examination is not, as a rule, considered necessary when there is no difference of opinion as to diagnosis.