HC Deb 24 November 1942 vol 385 cc672-4W
Miss Ward

asked the Minister of Pensions what are the arrangements for liaison between officers of his Department and the medical superintendents, registrars, and almoners of all hospitals having service or ex-service in-patients; and whether the arrangements cover non-service patients who become disabled as a result of war service or enemy action?

Sir W. Womersley

If on invaliding the member is in hospital or in need of treatment a special report is sent to the Ministry and the necessary arrangements are made to ensure that treatment is given or continued either in a Ministry or Civilian Hospital. My chief regional officers and commissioners of medical services are in close touch with medical superintendents and officers of all hospitals having service or ex-service in-patients for the purpose of dealing with any difficulties. In the case of non-service patients who become disabled as a result of war service or enemy action, the treatment arrangements are, in the hands of my right hon. Friend the Minister of Health.

Miss Ward

asked the Minister of Pensions what are the arrangements for the rehabilitation of servicemen and civilians who lose limbs as a result of war service or enemy action and the period of training given in the use of artificial limbs; and whether all arm amputation cases are receiving in-patient treatment for limb fitting and tuition?

Sir W. Womersley

After active stump treatment has been completed and the artificial limb has been supplied, the amputee is taught how to make the best use of his artificial limb. During this period of instruction, which varies from case to case, the man or woman may be either an in-patient or an out-patient of one of the Ministry's hospitals. Frequently, particularly in the case of arm amputations, the individual prefers to be an out-patient and live at home. Where this does not interfere with his treatment I should not feel justified in compelling him to become an in-patient. In addition, whilst under hospital treatment officers of the Ministry of Labour and National Service discuss with the man or woman and with the surgeon in charge the question of future employment. Where required vocational training is given and, in the case of arm amputations, my Department provides any appliances necessary for the trade or calling which the amputee intends to pursue. I am glad to say that virtually all amputation cases of the present war, whose treatment has been completed, are either in full employment or will be on the completion of their vocational training.

Miss Ward

asked the Minister of Pensions whether civilians who become totally disabled as a result of war service or enemy action are eligible for a constant attendance allowance in cases of helplessness in addition to the war pension?

Sir W. Womersley

This is a matter to which I am giving sympathetic consideration.

Mr. Rhys Davies

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury the total amount paid up to the most recent available date to civilian beneficiaries in respect of injuries consequent upon enemy action?

Sir W. Womersley

I have been asked to reply. The total amount paid to the 30th September, 1942, under the Personal Injuries (Civilians) Scheme is approximately £2,982,000, but I am unable to say how much of this expenditure was in respect of injuries caused by enemy action. This figure is exclusive of the amount paid in respect of loss of wages of Cavil Defence part-time personnel or by way of continuance of pay to whole-time Civil Defence personnel and in certain cases to police and civil servants in lieu of payments under the Civilians' Scheme. Particulars of such payments are not available, and could only be obtained at a disproportionate expenditure of time and labour.