§ Mr. SAKLATVALAasked the Minister of Pensions if he is aware that Mr. W. Bellard, of 19, Fairbridge Road, 1742W Islington, who has been in and out of hospital as a result of war injuries since 1922, his last term being 17th March to 2nd June, 1925, during which time he was entitled to 100 per cent. disablement benefit, of which 16s. per week was put aside until his discharge, has been refused payment of his seven months' arrears, which they admit are due, by the Islington Area Office until such time as instructions are received by the Ministry; and, as until such time as instructions are received he is deprived of 12s. per week which he received previously, will he lake steps to expedite the authorisation of these payments?
§ Major TRYONThe hon. Member appears to have beer misinformed as to the facts in this case. The man referred to completed an eight months' course of in-patient treatment in March last, and the full balance of allowances due in respect of it was paid to him. A further course of treatment was commenced in May last, but was prematurely terminated by serious misconduct on the part of the man which gravely prejudiced the progress of his case. In these circumstances the balance of allowances was not payable to him under the standing Regulations of the Ministry. I may, however, add that pension for the two weeks immediately following his discharge from hospital was paid on the 10th June, and the necessary authority to enable payment of pension through the Post Office to be resumed was given at the same time.