§ Mr. TOUCHEasked the Postmaster-General if, in reviewing the case of H. J. Pateman, at present residing at 13, Queen's Road, Church End, Finchley, an auxiliary postman of sixteen years' service, who was recently dismissed from the Post Office service owing to physical incapacity for duty, without compensation, the Post Office being advised that the disease which incapacitated Pateman was not caused by a severe fall on some iron steps which he sustained when on duty some years ago, he will take into consideration the facts that Dr. W. R. Orr, of Clydesdale, East Finchley, has certified that Pateman is now suffering from rheumatoid arthritis in the right hip-joint as the result of an injury to the joint at that time, that the injury which makes Pateman unfit for further service in the Post Office also prevents him from obtaining other employment, and that he has a delicate wife and three young children to support; and, in view of the different medical opinions as to the origin of the injury, will he inquire whether this is a case to which he could extend assistance?
§ Captain NORTONThe medical history of the case has been very fully considered, and I regret that, in view of the opinion of my medical advisers, I should not feel justified in accepting the opinion that the disease which necessitated Mr. Pateman's retirement is due to the fall in 1906. I am 1377W about to make Mr. Pateman a small grant I from the fund at my disposal for the relief of officers in necessitous circumstances, and the question of a further small grant will be reviewed in six months' time, or earlier, if necessary.