HC Deb 28 March 1960 vol 620 c85W
6. Lieut.-Colonel Bromley-Davenport

asked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance to what extent, when his officers review war pensions every two years, regard is had for the time lost by the pensioner through pensioned illness which may amount to many years, thus handicapping him in his promotion in civil life; and if he will give instructions that the past health of the applicant should also be taken into account in the event of a reduction in pension being recommended.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

Assessments of war disability are reduced only where there is definite evidence that fortunately the pensioner's condition has improved since the previous assessment was made. I have on occasions had representations against questions such as my hon. and gallant Friend suggests being put to war pensioners on the ground that answers to them may penalise men who make special efforts to keep going despite severe disability, and such questions are now asked only when it appears that they will help the pensioner's case. In any event loss of earning capacity is a factor taken into account not in the assessment of disability but in the award of special allowances related directly to it.