§ Mr. R. MORRISONasked the Minister of Pensions, in view of the fact that George Henry Howe, 11/M/144, 389, 30, Chalgrove Road, Tottenham, who, on 11th August, 1922, received a final award of 6d. per week for 35 weeks for rheumatism and is certified by his doctor to be still suffering from rheumatism and unable to follow his employment, whether he can give any further consideration to this case?
§ Major TRYONI am looking into the facts of this case and will communicate with the hon. Member when the inquiries have been completed.
Mr. J. GUEST asked the Minister of Pensions what is the present interpretation of removal from duty; and if he will issue instructions that the date of removal from duty shall be that on which service in the Navy, Army or Air Force terminated?
§ Major TRYONThe term "removal from duty" in connection with a disability which is the subject of a claim to pension is defined in the Royal Warrant of 21st June, 1922, as the first authorised absence from duty during the War on account of such disability. The bearing of a removal from duty on a subsequent claim to pension is that it affords clear evidence of the existence of the disability at the time of the removal, and no importance could be attached to the term if it were arbitrarily defined in the manner suggested by the hon. Member, or in any other manner not in agreement with the facts.