HC Deb 06 August 1942 vol 382 cc1211-2W
Mr. White

asked the Minister of Pensions what business is now being transacted by the pensions appeal tribunal.

Sir W. Womersley

The function of pensions appeal tribunals is to hear appeals by widows and dependants of deceased Great War pensioners.

Captain York

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he will set up a research committee to consider what diseases, including epilepsy and petit mal, are brought on by Army service in cases where no previous history of the disease is evident?

Sir W. Womersley

There are already in being an adequate number of research committees and other expert bodies which I can and do consult as to the connection, of various diseases with Army service. One of these committees was consulted at the outbreak of this war with regard to the special diseases mentioned by my hon. and gallant Friend.

Mr. Dobbie

asked the Minister of Pensions the number of applications for pensions he has received as a result of service in the present war; and how many of these applicants have been refused?

Sir W. Womersley

I regret that it would not be in the public interest to give the figures asked for by the hon. Member.

Major Milner

asked the Minister of Pensions the number of those now entitled, or eligible, to appeal to pension appeal tribunals, if such tribunals were set up?

Sir W. Womersley

As the greatest number of persons who are, or may become, eligible to appeal consists of members of the Forces discharged without disablement pensions, and as it is not in the public interest to give figures relating to the number of discharges, I regret that I cannot give the information requested.

Major Milner

asked the Minister of Pensions the number of pension appeal tribunals set up after the last war; how long was it before all appeals were disposed of; what number of appeals were made and what proportion were successful?

Sir W. Womersley

It has not been possible in the time available to obtain the information required for a complete answer to this Question, but I will write to the hon. and gallant Member as soon as possible.

Mr. Rhys Davies

asked the Minister of Pensions if he will indicate the number of men accepted as fit for service subsequently discharged, on medical grounds, as suffering from mental diseases; how many of such cases have been granted pensions, apart from treatment; the nature of the mental illness for which they have been discharged; and whether he has granted pension in any case of discharge by reason of epilepsy or schizophrenia, caused or materially aggravated by service?

Sir W. Womersley

It would not be in the public interest to give detailed figures with regard to discharges, but I may say in reply to the last part of the Question that pensions have been awarded in a number of these cases.