HC Deb 15 November 1918 vol 110 cc3111-4W
Mr. SNOWDEN

asked the Pensions Minister why the pension of £1 14s. 2d. a week paid to ex-Private Gerrard, No. 24,341, King's Own Lancasters, was stopped on 10th September; and whether, in view of the man's helpless condition, the pension will be immediately resumed?

Sir A. GRIFFITH-BOSCAWEN

Private Gerrard was discharged on account of epilepsy, which, according to his invaliding medical report, originated before his enlistment. The medical board were of opinion that his disability, although not caused by his military service, had been aggravated thereby, and on that account he was awarded a conditional pension which after two renewals expired in September last. He was re-examined by a medical board in August, and after careful consideration of his case it was decided that any aggravation caused by his military service had passed away. Consequently no further award of pension could be made. As indicating the generous view which was taken when the original award was made. I may mention that this soldier had only one week's effective service.

Mr. SNOWDEN

asked the Pensions Minister why the pension of ex-Private E. Moore, No. 365649, Labour Corps, was reduced without notice or without a medical board on the 23rd October, from 31s. 4d. a week to 15s. 8d. a week, seeing that the previous pension had been granted up to the 19th November, 1918; will he also have this man brought immediately before a medical board in order that his disability may be properly assessed; and, in the meantime, if he will see that the payment of the higher rate of pension previously paid is continued?

Sir A. GRIFFITH-BOSCAWEN

This soldier was invalided in June, 1918, on account of an injury to his back, which he himself alleged was due to an accident at physical drill occurring twelve months previously. The somewhat exceptional circumstances rendered inquiries necessary, and while they were being pursued a provisional award was made. The medical officers of the Ministry have now decided that the disability could not have been caused by the accident, but existed before enlistment. A final weekly allowance of 15s. 8d. for twenty-six weeks is, therefore, all that can be granted.

Mr. SNOWDEN

asked the Pensions Minister if Mrs. Rushton, of 117, Higher Audley Street, Blackburn, the mother of Private W. Rushton, No. 61423, Machine Gun Corps, and Gunner A. Rushton, No. 48697, Royal Garrison Artillery, killed in action, was receiving a total pension of 16s. a week, is entitled to an increase of this amount in view of the fact that she is a widow with two daughters, one of whom is of school age, and the loss of her two sons has deprived her of practically her only means of support?

Sir A. GRIFFITH-BOSCAWEN

Mrs. Rushton has been granted an allowance of 6s. 8d. a week for her younger daughter, who is under sixteen years of age, in addition to the pension for herself of 15s. a week—the maximum for a parent.

Mr. SNOWDEN

asked the Pensions Minister if immediate attention will be given to the letters of Mrs. M. Walmesley, of 47, Fielden Street, Blackburn, about a special grant on account of her son, Private William Walmesley, No. 12367, 6th Battalion Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry, as she can get nothing but printed replies saying that the case is receiving attention from the Department?

Sir A. GRIFFITH-BOSCAWEN

I am writing to my hon. Friend on this matter.

Mr. SNOWDEN

asked the Pensions Minister if he will give immediate attention to the case of John Nolan, 4, Pink Street, Blackburn, who served for nine years in the Royal Marine Light Infantry, served in the South African War, was discharged medically unfit with a temporary pension of 1s. 3d. a day for eighteen months, volunteered during the present War on the 3rd August, 1915, was discharged on 3rd December, 1915, and received neither pension nor gratuity for two years when he was paid £15; whether he is aware that, after filling up the same form four times between November, 1917, and. February, 1918, he was informed on 1st August, 1918, that a pension had been granted to him to date from the 11th February, 1918, and since that time he has heard nothing respecting the pension; and, in view of the man's state of health, will he see that immediate attention is given to this case?

Sir A. GRIFFITH-BOSCAWEN

I have not been able to trace this matter from the particulars given, but if my hon. Friend will give me the man's regiment, regimental number and rank, I will have inquiry made, and will see that the case is given immediate attention.

Mr. SNOWDEN

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office why Mrs. Dean, of 36, Bonsall Terrace, Blackburn, the mother of Private H Dean, No. 107598, Liverpool Regiment, is receiving a weekly payment of 5s. only; and whether in this case she should also receive the soldier's allotment of 3s. 6d. a week?

Mr. MACPHERSON

Inquiry will be made and my hon. Friend informed of the result in due course.

Mr. SNOWDEN

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office why the separation allowance has been stopped in the case of Private W. H. Holden, No. 18534, Welsh Fusiliers, in the following circumstances: the man having been transferred recently to the Army Reserve, Class B, for colliery work in South Wales, his wife residing at and having to maintain a home in Blackburn out of what her husband can spare from his wages after maintaining himself; and whether the husband is entitled in such circumstances to a pension or the subsistence allowance, or whether the wife ought still to receive her separation allowance?

Mr. MACPHERSON

Inquiry will be made and my hon. Friend informed of the result in due course.

Mr. ROWNTREE

asked the Pensions Minister whether his attention has been called to the case of Mr. Oakley, of Union Terrace, York, whose son, Second-Lieutenant R. Oakley, Yorks Regiment, was killed in the War, thus depriving the parents of the help their son had promised them towards the maintenance at a secondary school of a younger member of the family; and, in view of the circumstances of the case, if he will consider whether a compassionate gratuity for the purpose can be made?

Sir A. GRIFFITH-BOSCAWEN

I regret that there is no regulation under which a gratuity can be granted in such a case. Mr. Oakley is not eligible for a pension, as neither he nor his wife were dependent on their son, and his age and pecuniary circumstaces are not at present such as to justify an award. I am having the case referred to the special grants committee for consideration.