§ Mr. PARKINSONasked the Minister of Pensions the number of officers of all ranks who are in receipt of disability pensions, giving the aggregate cost of same?
§ Major TRYONThe number of pensions now in payment by my Department to officers is approximately 28,500, representing an annual value of about £3,100,000.
§ Mr. PARKINSONasked the Minister of Pensions the number of officers in receipt of disability pensions whose pensions were reviewed during the period from 1st February, 1922, to 1st February, 1923, stating the number which were increased, decreased, or cancelled, showing, respectively, the amount of money involved by these changes?
§ Major TRYONDuring the period mentioned some 30,000 pensions to officers were reviewed, after medical re-examination, as required by the Warrant. Of these, 67 per cent. remained unaltered or were increased, while 33 per cent. were decreased or terminated. The result of these changes represented a net decrease in the annual value of the awards reviewed of approximately £345,000.
§ Mr. SHORTasked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware that Henry W. Titterton, late ordinary seaman J 78,396, was invalided from the Navy on 18th September, 1918; that he is now an inmate of the Brentwood mental hospital; and that the Ossett Board of Guardians are demanding payment for his keep from his father; and will he have the case investigated, as it is contended that his mental condition is clue to service?
§ Major TRYONThis man was invalided in 1918 on account of epilepsy, which was neither due to nor aggravated by service, and since that date I can find no trace of any application by or on behalf of the man to the Ministry. If it is con-58W sidered that his present condition is connected with service, an application for-pension on his behalf may be lodged for consideration at the local office of the Ministry.
§ Mr. SHORTasked the Minister of. Pensions if he is aware that John Canadine, No. 487,842, Labour Corps, residing au 26, Blakemores Lane, Darlaston, was awarded a disability pension; that the letter intimating that such an award had been made did not reach Canadine, and it was not until some time later that Canadine learned of the award and made application accordingly; and will he make inquiry as to why the pension is now being. refused?
§ Major TRYONI have looked into this case and, while the man cannot be-exonerated from blame in neglecting to notify his change of address, I have, in view of the exceptional circumstances, authorised payment of the pension. awarded.
§ Mr. M. WILSONasked the Minister of Pensions whether his attention has been called to the position of a pensioner who, having successfully appealed before the Pensions Appeal Tribunal against the award of the Ministry, is again boarded by the Ministry, and the same award made which had been previously rejected by the Pensions Appeal Tribunal; and whether, in view of the impasse thus created, he is prepared to consider the advisability of power being given to Pensions Appeal Tribunals to re-assess successful appellants or to set up a special medical board for that. purpose?
§ Major TRYONI would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the answers which. I gave on the 8th March to the hon. Member for the Exchange Division of Manchester (Sir E. Stockton), and on the 22nd March to the hon. Member for the Brightside Division of Sheffield (Mr. Ponsonby), of which I am sending him copies.