§ 129. Mr. H. Hyndasked the Minister of Pensions what is the maximum amount payable to a married pensioner with three children if he has a 100 per cent. disability and is in need of constant attendance; and what a man in similar circumstances would have been entitled to in 1944.
Mr. AmoryThe maximum amount payable to an ex-private today would be £8 11s. a week. In 1944, a pensioner in similar circumstances would have received £5 2s. 6d.
§ Mr. Haleasked the Minister of Pensions how many applications for disability pension on the ground of Parkinson's disease have been made during 139W a period of five years to the most recent convenient date; how many have been refused; and how many applications have been wholly or partially successful.
Mr. AmoryIn the records kept by my Department Parkinson's disease is grouped with other diseases of an organic nervous nature. It is estimated, however, that in the five years ended 30th September, 1951, 170 applications in respect of this disease were received, of which 55 were rejected and 115 were successful.
§ Mr. Haleasked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware that a large number of claimants failed to obtain disability pensions based on rulings on law which have now been the subject of judicial reversal; and whether he will make provision for the reconsideration of all cases which might have been the subject of successful application had the law been correctly understood at the time of the application.
Mr. AmoryAs I have explained to the hon. Member, the position of these claimants was met by the arrangements for special review announced in this House on 25th July, 1946. I can find no justification for any extension of these special arrangements.
§ Mr. G. Thomasasked the Minister of Pensions if he will make a statement concerning the basic rate of pension for disabled ex-Service men.
Mr. AmoryThis matter is being considered in the course of the Government's general review of pensions. I am not yet in a position to make a statement.