HC Deb 25 April 1923 vol 163 cc486-7W
Mr. POTTS

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he will make inquiries into the case of George Arthur Lumb, 14, Sidebottom Square, Smithies, Barnsley, who enlisted into the Labour Corps on 26th September, 1916, and served in France from 13th November, 1916, to 30th October, 1918, during which period he contracted myalgia, stiffness, cramp, and pain in muscles, and is still suffering therefrom; if he is aware that a medical specialist decided on 28th October, 1921, that Lumb's disability was myalgia; that the pensions appeal tribunal on 21st November, 1921, decided against Lumb; that communication had been opened up with the Prime Minister, and Lumb received an intimation, dated 14th and 27th March, 1923, stating that the case was receiving attention; and, seeing that at divers dates medical specialists have determined Lumb as suffering from myalgia 20 per cent. to 30 per cent., will he again have Lumb re-examined?

Captain CRAIG

This man has received a final award under the War Pensions Act, 1921, in respect of his disability, myalgia, which was accepted as attributable to service. The award has been confirmed on appeal by the pensions appeal tribunal whose decision is final.

Mr. POTTS

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he will have inquiries made into the case of Stephen Naylor, No. 202,472, of 4, Avon Street, Barnsley, Royal Highlanders, who was discharged in 1918 suffering from neurasthenia (shrapnel wound) in the forearm; if he is aware that he was awarded a pension of 11s. per week, subject to an annual examination; that his pension was afterwards increased to £1 a week, and on leaving the hospital decreased to 8s. a week, and so paid to lath May, 1922; that about this period of date Naylor appealed for a pension increase; that on 14th August, 1922, Naylor received £10 by post, with a notification of a final award paper; that on 6th December, 1922, following Naylor's appeal, he received a final award paper disallowing his appeal; that since the date of receiving his wounds Naylor has been continuously suffering, and was ordered to Beckett's Park Hospital, Leeds, then to Beckett Hospital, Barnsley, and thence to Leeds for re-examination; that at Leeds Hospital Dr. Fleming stated that Naylor ought to receive a pension, as his Army wounds were serious, and advised Naylor to appeal against the decision of the pensions board; and that Naylor accordingly applied locally, and was told it was impossible, as his case had been disposed of?

Captain CRAIG

A final award having been made and confirmed on appeal by the independent Pensions Appeal Tribunal, there is now no right of further application for pension in respect of the accepted disability. The man is, however, at present receiving medical treatment, together with full allowances.