§ Mr. SALTasked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware that out of 4,332 applications for pensions made last year by ex-service men, only 250 were granted; and whether, in view of the numerous cases of men whose War injuries have become more serious owing to their strength having declined with advancing age, he will instruct his officers to give special consideration to all such cases?
§ Major TRYONI may point out to the hon. Member that among the applications received last year there were, in addition to the 250 cases who were granted pension, a number of men—about 100—for whom surgical or medical treatment was provided and found to be all that was required. All cases of war injury, includ2802W ing wounds, receive immediate consideration under the special arrangements made by me. The number of late applications is decreasing, and the large majority of those now being received are made in respect of ailments or diseases common to the civilian population, which it is now claimed for the first time are due to War service.