HC Deb 22 December 1937 vol 330 cc1987-8W
Mr. Stephen

asked the Minister of Pensions why a pension has been refused to Mr. Hugh Kilpatrick, 237, Appen Road, Haghill, Glasgow; if he is aware that medical certificates from Glasgow doctors have been submitted in support of his claim to a pension; and why he refuses to appoint an outside independent medical authority to arbitrate on this case, in accordance with his promise that this procedure would be adopted in such cases?

Mr. Ramsbotham

Mr. Kilpatrick was compensated by a final award for the slight degree of neurasthenia present on his discharge and this was confirmed by the Pensions Appeal Tribunal in 1923. The medical certificates to which the hon. Member refers have been fully considered but my medical advisers are unable to certify that the nervous condition now found is due to the persisting effects of service which terminated 19 years ago. In all the circumstances, however, I have decided that the case shall be referred to an independent medical specialist for his advice.

Mr. R. Gibson

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he will appoint a Departmental committee or other appropriate tribunal to inquire into the conditions of ex-service veterans of the 1914 to 1918 War with a view to making recommendations to remedy the grievances of these men?

Mr. Ramsbotham

No, Sir. As has been repeatedly stated in the House, the Government have at present no evidence which would indicate that any special inquiry is called for. I would remind the hon. Member that as Minister of Pensions I am responsible only for those ex-servicemen who are disabled as the result of war service.

Mr. Kennedy

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he has considered complaints from service patients regarding their treatment in Chepstow Hospital; and if he proposes to take any action?

Mr. Ramsbotham

On the occasion of a visit last week to Chepstow Hospital which has 121 patients suffering from epilepsy, I received only two complaints, which require and are receiving further investigation. Both related not to the treatment the men were receiving in hospital but to the correctness of certain payments which were being made to them. The patients concerned will be communicated with as early as possible.