HC Deb 04 November 1919 vol 120 cc1332-3W
Mr. NEWBOULD

asked the Minister of Pensions the reasons for his decision that the death of the late Private Swales, No. 20206, Yorkshire Regiment, was not due to military service?

Sir J. CRAIG

Private Swales was posted to a depot of the Yorkshire Regiment on 27th January, 1915, and was discharged six weeks later with palpitation and irregularity of heart. During his service he was housed in permanent barracks and performed only in ordinary squad drills without arms. He died suddenly of heart disease two years and three months after his discharge, having in the meantime resumed his pre-enlistment trade of hawker. Very careful consideration has been given to the case, but the medical officers of the Ministry are unable to find any connection between Private Swales' death and his short period of service. His widow, however, has the right of appeal to the new Appeal Tribunal.