§ Mr. BUCHANANasked the Minister of Pensions the reason why a pension has been refused to John Porter, 35, Gibson Street, Glasgow, now an inmate of Hawk-head Mental Hospital; if he is aware that Dr. McDonald, of that institution and a leading mental expert, has stated very definitely that John Porter's mental trouble is a direct result of the War; and, if in view of this, he can have the case again inquired into or will he state if the decision given by him is final?
§ Major TRYONI find that in this case the man, who was already in receipt of pension on other grounds, made a claim in respect of mental affection for the first time in 1924, five and a half years after his demobilisation. The circumstances of the case were very carefully considered by the Ministry, but it could not be found that his condition was due to war service, and on appeal by the claimant, the independent appeal tribunal confirmed the Ministry's decision. I would add that1412W the appeal tribunal not only had all the facts of the case before it, but, before giving their decision, obtained a special report from the medical superintendent of the mental hospital referred to in the question. I have had the representations made to me regarding the case most carefully considered, but I can find no grounds for taking further action in regard to it.