HC Deb 06 December 1922 vol 159 cc1778-9W
Sir A. HOLBROOK

asked the Minister of Pensions whether, as four years have now elapsed since the Armistice was signed, it would be possible to finally examine all service men in receipt of disability pensions so that the pensions to which they are entitled may be made permanent, thus saving these men from the anxiety of repeated examinations by medical boards; and whether these medical boards and the staffs employed to issue the pensions could then be dispensed with, and the pensions paid to the recipients through the Post Office?

Major TRYON

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the answer which I gave to the hon. Member for the Stone Division of Stafford (Mr. Lamb) on the 30th November, of which I am sending him a copy.

Mr. LANSBURY

asked the Minister of Pensions whether his attention has been called to the case of Gunner William Benn, No. 216287, of the Royal Field Artillery, who attested 11th December. 1915, was called up January, 1917, sent overseas within three months, discharged May, 1919, and in August, 1922, was admitted to the Graylingwell Asylum, Chichester, as suffering from mental trouble; if he is aware that this man has claimed a pension on the ground that his mental condition has been brought about by sunstroke in Mesopotamia; that previous to joining the Army he was a member of the local fire brigade, and no trace of mental deficiency or lunacy has been found in his record before joining up: and, in these circumstances, will the Ministry reconsider the case and grant this man's wife and dependants an allowance?

Major TRYON

The Pensions Appeal Tribunal having confirmed the decision of the Ministry that the disability in respect of which this man claimed pension is neither due to nor worsened by service, I regret that the case cannot be re-opened.

Sir P. RICHARDSON

asked the Minister of Pensions when a disability pension has been awarded to a disabled officer by what method is the disability pension paid to the officer: and is it paid without application by the officer?

Major TRYON

Disability retired pay authorised by the Ministry of Pensions is paid by the Paymaster-General, who issues the necessary drafts to the officer. The officer is notified of the award by the Ministry and, at the same time, is supplied with a form on which to apply to the Paymaster-General.

Captain BOWYER

asked the Minister of Pensions whether a man who lost a limb in the War is entitled to a lump sum as compensation in addition to his pension?

Major TRYON

The answer is in the negative.