§ Mr. GROVESasked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether he would inquire into the circumstances of Joseph Messenger, 45, Church Road, E.15, ex-Royal Engineers, No.118,855, who is in receipt of Bs. per week pension; and whether, as this man is in great need, augmentation can be affected?
§ Major TRYONMr. Messenger served for about eight months in 1915 and 1916 in a labour section and was invalided on account of arterio-sclerosis, the result of his advancing years. Although this condition was clearly not due to his war service it was accepted, in view of his having served overseas, as having been to a certain extent aggravated thereby. A final award at the rate appropriate to a disablement of 20 percent. was made in 1924. I am advised that the disablement recognised in the final award is the maximum that could be ascribed to the effects of Mr. Messenger's short period of service nearly 20 years ago, and consequently I have no power to grant any increase.