§ Colonel Carverasked the Home Secretary whether a member of the fire brigade disabled in fire fighting to such an extent that at the end of 13 weeks he is discharged, receives only a civilian's injury pension; and whether he will inquire into the numbers of those who are forced to apply for public assistance?
§ Mr. H. MorrisonAs in the Civil Defence services generally, a fireman, other than a professional fireman, who is disabled in the course of duty, may claim an injury allowance under the Personal Injuries (Civilians) Scheme. This allowance is supplemented to the amount of full pay for a maximum of 13 weeks. If, after the expiration of 13 weeks from the date of the injury, a fireman finds himself in need, it is open to him to apply to the Assistance Board for an allowance under the Unemployment Assistance2076W (Prevention and Relief of Distress) Regulations, as an alternative to the injury allowance. The injury allowance may be continued for 26 weeks., after which a claim may be made under the Personal Injuries (Civilians) Scheme for a pension in respect of any permanent disability resulting from the injury. I think there must be some confusion between the Assistance Board which operates nationally and the local public assistance authority. In any case: I have no particulars as to any aid given by the public assistance authority to disabled firemen.