HC Deb 11 June 1941 vol 372 c210W
Colonel Carver

asked the Minister of Pensions why his Department when granting pensions, differentiates between the man who has lost an eye and the man who retains an eye but cannot see with it?

Sir W. Womersley

The loss of an eye involves a definite addition to the disablement caused by loss of vision; this is due to the inconvenience of wearing an artificial eye, the necessity of renewing it from time to time, and the special care needed to keep the socket in satisfactory condition.

Mr. Ridley

asked the Minister of Pensions how many applications for assistance have been received by the War Services Grants Advisory Committee since 1st January, 1940; how many have been declined; and what is the average rate of grant in cases which have been entertained?

Sir W. Womersley

In the period referred to the applications received numbered about 372,000; the grants made about 254,000; and the rejections about 118,000. The average rate of grant is about 8s. 6d. per week.