HC Deb 14 March 1935 vol 299 cc586-8W
Mr. G. NICHOLSON

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he will have further examination, including examination by independent medical authorities, made into the cases of Mr. R. S. Main, of 16, Chestnut Street, Ashington, Northumberland, and Mr. A. Hall, of 4, Ann's Row, Cowpen Square, Blyth, Northumberland?

Major TRYON

No useful purpose would, I am satisfied, be served by a special medical examination of the kind suggested in these two cases. In the case of Mr. Main, as I have already explained to my hon. Friend, I am advised that, having regard to his pre-war tubercular infection and other evidence, the present condition of pulmonary tuberculosis cannot be certified as connected with the man's war service. In the case of Mr. Hall, which is one of a late claim for disablement first put forward in 1933, I am advised that there is no evidence to support the alleged connection of the present disability with his military service which terminated 16 years earlier.

Lieut.-Commander AGNEW

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware that, owing to the restrictions of the royal warrant, the pension allowance that was in issue to Lily Oldis Nankervis (daughter of the late Thomas Nankervis, private No. 201506, Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry, who died in September, 1922, from the effects of war service) ceased at the age of 21, although she is unable to contribute to her own support as a result of pulmonary tuberculosis; and whether he will consider amending the royal warrant with the object of ensuring that allowances are continued to totally incapacitated war orphans for so long as such incapacity exists?

Major TRYON

I have no authority to reissue allowances in favour of the young person referred to. It is a long established principle that pensions liability for children should not extend at the utmost beyond the attainment of their majority, and, although an exception has been made as regards the special and limited class of young persons who become total orphans before reaching the age of 21, I cannot hold out any hope of a departure from the decision of the late Labour Government that the concession must be limited to this class.