HC Deb 05 June 1918 vol 106 cc1589-90W
Colonel L. WILSON

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether the pensions to non-commissioned officers and men of the Royal Marines retained in the service on account of the War, and authorised in October last, have not yet been paid; and, if so, whether, in view of the fact that these pensions to seamen have been paid, he will take steps that the payments should be made at the earliest possible date?

Dr. MACNAMARA

The award of pensions to non-commissioned officers and men of the Royal Marines retained in the Service has been deferred pending the settlement of various points which have arisen. A decision has now been arrived at, and the instructions, embodying the nature of the new concessions and inviting applications for pensions, will be promulgated this week. No man's claim will be prejudiced by the unavoidable delay.

Mr. R. McNEILL

asked the Pensions-Minister why no pension has been awarded to A. H. Hewitt, late Royal Marine Light Infantry, who, after serving for one year and forty-one days, has been invalided out on account of wounds which destroyed the sight of one eye and inflicted injury to one leg and which prevent him obtaining employment, his discharge papers being marked very good?

Sir A. GRIFFITH-BOSCAWEN

On 6th October, 1914, Hewitt was struck on the head and right leg by portions of a stretcher he was carrying, and which had been smashed by a fragment of shell. The injuries he sustained were a slight wound of the scalp and contusions of the right leg. He was subsequently invalided on 26th May, 1915, for epilepsy, having been under treatment from the 5th of that month, and was in receipt of disablement pension at varying rates to 28th May, 1918. The report of the medical survey held in April in connection with the question of renewal of pension, stated that no fits had occurred for twelve months, and that the disability due to service had passed away, and in these circumstances no further award was made. The man will, however, be re-examined to ascertain the extent of any disablement now actually arising from the injuries received in October, 1914, and his claim further considered with reference thereto.