Mr. MACLEANasked the Minister of Pensions whether the late Private Robert Mair, No. 43489, King's Own Scottish Borderers, who enlisted on 12th October, 1914, was discharged on 5th January, 1918, with a gunshot wound on the right hand, totally disabling the whole arm, for which disability he was in receipt of a 60 per cent, pension permanent; whether he is aware that this man fell ill on 20th January, 1920, and his panel doctor certified him to be suffering from neuritis and sciatica; that this was reported to the local pensions office and six weeks elapsed before he had a visit and an examination in his own home; whether he was informed four weeks later that his disablement was neither caused nor aggravated by his service in the Army; on appealing against this decision he had to appear for examination by a medical board at the Adelphi 579W Hotel, Dunlop Street, Glasgow, on 24th June, 1920; whether he was so weak that he had to be accompanied to that board by a friend; whether the decision from that board was again the same; if he is aware that this decision was received by him on 20th July, 1920, and that he was admitted to Bellahouston Hospital on 21st July, 1920, from which date he was paid full treatment allowance for himself, his wife, and five children; whether on 19th August, 1920, he was removed to Sheidhall Sanatorium, certified to be suffering from pulmonary tuberculosis; whether he is aware that his friends objected to the condition of this institution and removed him to his home on 25th August, where he died on 4th September, 1920; whether his death has been certified to be due to his service, and a certificate sent to the local war pensions divisional office; whether he is aware also that the pension has been stopped to the widow and children of this soldier; whether the funeral grant has been refused to his widow; and what his Department is prepared to do regarding this case?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONI regret that I have not been able to complete my inquiries in this case in the short time available. I will, however, communicate with the hon. Member as soon as possible.