§ Mr. GAVAN DUFFYasked the Minister of Pensions why the life pension of 24s. per week granted to Thomas Ward (2/MW/398), of 2, Albert Square, Whitehaven, was altered to a pension of the same amount for 52 weeks only when he applied to have the original amount of pension increased; if he is aware that the pensioner in this case is completely broken up and unable to do any sort of work; and will be, in the circumstances, restore the pension to its original permanent basis and increase it to an amount that will at least be equal to the subsistence level granted by the board of guardians to a man with a wife and two children?
§ Major TRYONA final award of pension at the 60 per cent. rate was made by the Ministry, but was set aside on appeal by the independent tribunal on the ground that the case was not, at the time, suitable for a final award. The case was therefore restored to the conditional list, a pension at the same rate being awarded for 52 weeks and the man informed that if he considered that the condition of his disability had grown worse he could apply for an increased pension on that ground. This, however, I understand he has not done. The case will be again considered, in due course, for a final award.
§ Sir A. BUTTasked the Minister of Pensions whether, seeing that ex-service men suffering from paranoia at present have their pensions fixed for a period of three years, and are then subject to re-examination, and having regard to the fact that medical authorities are agreed that this illness is practically incurable and re-examination by medical boards causes excitement, reaction, and great suffering to the patients, will he take steps to make pensions permanent in cases of over four years' standing where he is satisfied that the pensioner's family is in a position to assure his proper care?
§ Major TRYONThere is no general rule that ex-service men suffering from paranoia are to have their pensions fixed for a period of three years, although an award for this period may have been made 2405W in an individual case. It is, however, the practice to consider every case of over four years' standing, whatever the disability may be, and to make a final award if the case is suitable for it. Thus any man who has been in receipt of pension for paranoia for over four years, and is unlikely to become better, would receive a final award. If my hon. Friend has a case in mind, I shall be glad to inquire into it if he will let me have particulars.