HC Deb 22 July 1937 vol 326 cc2434-5W
Mr. Sutcliffe

asked the Minister of Pensions whether ex-service men whose pensions have been commuted, and who have subsequently developed in a more serious form the complaints from which they suffered, are allowed to refund the cost of such commutation and to apply for an entirely new pension; and, if so, whether he is able to give the number of cases dealt with in this manner?

Mr. Ramsbotham

The commutation of any part of a disability pension is irrevocable and this is always made clear to the applicant. Commutation does not, however, affect the consideration which would be given by the Ministry to any case in which the disablement is afterwards shown to have become materially and permanently greater. In the event of increased compensation being granted on such grounds it would, like the pension it superseded, be reduced by the sum commuted.

Mr. Mabane

asked the Minister of Pensions whether his attention has been called to the amount of compensation now commonly awarded in the courts to a workman for the loss of both arms; whether, in particular, his attention has been drawn to a recent award of £10,000 in one such case; and whether, in view of this decision, the grant of a pension of £2 a week and £1 constant attendance allowance as adequate compensation for those ex-service men who lost both arms in the War may be reconsidered with a view to its increase?

Mr. Ramsbotham

The hon. Member is under a misapprehension as the judgment referred to in the question was given on a claim for damages and not compensation. The question does not therefore arise.