Mr. A. T. DAVIESasked the Minister of Pensions what arrangements have been made for ex-service men rendered deaf during the recent War; what 1298W is the number receiving treatment and financial benefits; whether he is aware that Earl Haig is making public appeals, and that collections are being made nightly in places of amusement in the London area to aid in the treatment and care of ex-service men suffering from such deafness; whether the position of such ex-service men has been considered: and what are the results?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONEar affections are pensionable under the Royal Warrant according to the degree of disablement found to exist, the rate of 70 per cent. being fixed for complete deafness. In addition, skilled medical and surgical treatment appropriate to the individual circumstances is provided in ear hospitals or at special aural clinics established by my Department. At the present time approximately 5,500 men are receiving treatment for some form of aural disease, and those who are prevented by their treatment from working are drawing the usual allowances. Facilities for acquiring proficiency in lip-reading are also provided in suitable cases. I have no information as regards the public appeals referred to.