HC Deb 22 June 1922 vol 155 cc1517-8W
Brigadier-General COLVIN

asked the Minister of Pensions if he will direct that the case of H. G. Norton, Anchor Cottage, Old Road, Clacton-on-Sea, late private, No. S/360,559, Royal Army Service Corps, who was discharged permanently unfit on 8th September, 1919, and awarded full disability pension for neurasthenia and debility caused by active service, and which pension has now been cancelled, shall be reconsidered; and whether the appeal tribunal have determined Norton's pension on the ground that his disability was not due to war service, although he was sound in all respects when he joined the Army?

Mr. MACPHERSON

This man was awarded 20 per cent for debility. His claim for an award for neurasthenia was rejected by the Ministry, and this decision was upheld by the Pensions Appeal Tribunal.

Mr. C. WHITE

asked the Minister of Pensions the reason for the cessation of pension to Mr. G. Hemsley, of Limes Avenue, Alfreton, late No. 286,619, signaller, Royal Garrison Artillery, who was examined by a medical board on 29th January, 1920, when his disability was assessed at 30 per cent; whether he is aware that a few days after this Hemsley was informed that his degree of disablement was too small to entitle him to a further pension and offering him a final gratuity of £5, which he has never received; that the reason given for a discontinuance of the pension is that Hemsley was suffering from hyperthygorodium to the extent of 20 per cent. at the time of enlistment, though he was passed Class A; that Hemsley has produced a certificate from the doctor who examined him for the Army showing that he was suffering from no disease whatever; and whether he will order an early revision of the case with a view to the arrears of pension being paid?

Mr. MACPHERSON

After full consideration of all the available evidence, including the reports of the demobilisation Army Medical Officer and three successive medical boards, my Department decided that the disability was only aggravated by service. After the examination by a medical board in January, 1920, it was decided that aggravation by service had passed away, and the final gratuity of £5 (payment of which was authorised in March, 1920) is therefore the appropriate compensation. There is a right of appeal against this decision to the Pensions Appeal Tribunal which may be exercised through the local committee.