HC Deb 26 November 1941 vol 376 cc761-2W
Mr. White

asked the Minister of Pensions whether it is his intention that the scheme of supplementary allowances, which is intended to secure a standard of maintenance below which a Service man's family should not be allowed to fall, shall be extended to make similar provisions for those disabled or bereaved in consequence of the war?

Sir. W. Womersley

No, Sir. Pensions in respect of disablement or death necessarily have regard to considerations other than those which apply to supplementary allowances given primarily to enable a man, during his temporary absence on war service, to meet previous commitments which, by reason of that service, he is unable to meet. A wife who is in receipt of such supplementary allowance at the date of her husband's death continues to receive the grant for the period of 13 weeks during which the Service Department pays the allotment and family allowances.

Mr. Stephen

asked the Minister of Pensions whether arrangements are made for the medical examination of all applicants for pensions by his medical advisers who determine whether or not pension shall be given; and whether his medical advisers consult the applicant's panel doctor who is acquainted with the man's medical history before coming to their decision?

Sir W. Womersley

All applicants for disablement pension are medically examined either by my medical officers or those of the Service Departments. In cases where it is necessary to obtain particulars of the pre-service medical history; inquiries are normally made of the claimant's medical attendant and of any approved society of which he may be a member.

Mr. Stephen

asked the Minister of Pensions how many men who were passed into the services as A 1 by a medical board, and were subsequently invalided out of the services owing to a disability, have been refused a pension on the ground that the disability was not attributable to service?

Sir W. Womersley

I regret that the statistics kept by my Department do not include the medical classification of recruits and I am therefore unable to furnish the information desired by the hon. Member.

Mr. Stephen

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he will take steps to arrange for a medical board or medical referee in each case where there is a conflict of opinion between the panel doctor of an applicant for pension, who is acquainted with the applicant's medical history and his medical advisers, who are responsible for the rejection of the claim, to consult personally with the panel doctor and the Minister's advisers, with power to recommend the grant of a pension and to avoid injustice being done to applicants for pension?

Sir W. Womersley

It is the practice of my medical advisers to give full consideration to any opinion expressed by a man's doctor in conjunction with the evidence in the possession of the Ministry. Where there is a conflict of opinion and serious doubt obtains, I seek the advice of an independent medical expert nominated by the President of the Royal College of Physicians or of the Royal College of Surgeons. All the evidence, including the opinion expressed by the man's doctor, is placed before this independent expert whose medical opinion I always accept.