HC Deb 21 January 1943 vol 386 cc308-10W
Mr. Brooks

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he proposes to take any action to remove the disparity between the assessments for deafness in Great War and New War cases?

Sir W. Womersley

I have decided that application may be made for a Great War assessment for deafness to be revised on the basis of the New War assessment. Each applicant will be medically examined and, if his present degree of disablement arising from his Great War service would warrant an increased assessment under the provisions for the present war, an increased award will be made on the basis of that assessment with effect from the date of application.

Sir I. Fraser

asked the Minister of Pensions the composition and terms of reference of the sub-committee of the Central Advisory Committee which he has set up to report on appeals tribunals?

Sir W. Womersley

The members of the sub-committee are the hon. and gallant Member for South-East Leeds (Major Milner), Miss E. H. Kelly, C.B.E., and Mr. A. G. Webb, M.B.E. Its object is to examine the whole problem of Pensions Appeal Tribunals which the Government has announced its intention to set up as early as possible, and to consider particularly the availability of the necessary staff.

Sir H. Morris-Jones

asked the Minister of Pensions whether there are any permanently injured or incapacitated ex-service men of the last war now at the Star and Garter Home who are not in receipt of any pension?

Sir W. Womersley

The Star and Garter Home is not a Ministry institution and the only patients there about whom I have particulars are those in receipt of a pension from my Department. These number about 50. I have no information with regard to the remaining patients.

Mr. Dobbie

asked the Minister of Pensions the amount of pension paid to the widow of a private soldier who dies on active service if the widow is under 40 years of age and has no dependants; the amount paid to a widow in similar circumstances who is over 40 years of age; and the amount of pension paid to the widow of an officer in similar circumstances?

Sir W. Womersley

The pension payable to the widow of a private soldier who dies as a result of service is 17s. 6d. a week if she is under 40, has no dependant children and is not incapable of self-support. Otherwise the pension is at the rate of 25s. a week. The widow of a subaltern dying in similar circumstances receives a pension of £110 a year.

Mr. Dobbie

asked the Minister of Pensions the number of wounded men who have made an application for pension and have been refused; and the number who would be eligible for appeal to the pension appeal tribunals, if, and when, such tribunals are set up?

Sir W. Womersley

All cases of men discharged from the Forces on account of wounds are referred to my Department by the Service Departments and no application has to be made by the member himself. If any case where on discharge there was disablement as a result of a wound sustained in action or in training, an award would always be made by my Department provided there was no serious negligence or misconduct. Whilst I can give no figures in reply to the last part of the Question it follows from what I have said that the number of possible appeals in respect of wounds must be small.