HC Deb 11 May 1944 vol 399 cc2110-1W
Mr. Leach

asked the Minister of Pensions whether the relatives of the airman, Reuben W. Carlier, who died in Canada on firth May, 1943, from a streptococcus infection introduced into the blood stream at the time of inoculation with diphtheria toxoid, will be able to claim any pension or other allowances that may be paid after the death of airmen on active service; and whether the other airmen who became ill through the inoculation have now all recovered.

Mr. Paling

The parents of the deceased airman are eligible for pension under the regulations of my Department subject to the ordinary requirement that they are in pecuniary need. An application made by them last year showed that the father was in employment and that they were not in pecuniary need, but they were informed that it is open to them to renew their application at any time if their circumstances so changed that this requirement is fulfilled. As regards the second part of the Question I understand from my right hon Friend, the Secretary of State for Air, that the other airmen who became ill through the inoculation have now recovered.