HC Deb 19 December 1929 vol 233 cc1639-40W
Sir R. HAMILTON

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the number of people in Shetland who have been drawing blind pensions whose pensions have been withdrawn by the Department of Health on the recent report of their specialist inspector; the length of time for which the various pensioners have drawn pensions; and the reasons assigned for the withdrawal in each case?

Mr. W. ADAMSON

The number of persons who have had their blind pensions withdrawn in the circumstances mentioned is 13, of whom one has since been awarded an old age pension under the Acts of 1908 to 1924. In addition, pension was withdrawn in one case following a considerable improvement in vision resulting from a successful operation. As regards the second part of the question, I am sending the hon. Member a statement giving particulars in each case of the date from which payment of pension was first allowed. As regards the last part, the reason for the withdrawal of blind pension in all 14 cases was that the persons in question were reported not to satisfy the statutory condition of being "so blind as to be unable to perform any work for which eyesight is essential."