§ Mr. Silvermanasked the Minister of Pensions why applicants for Service pensions are required to furnish the Minister with a certificate from their panel doctor setting out their pre-Service medical record for National Health Insurance purposes; who bears the expense of this investigation; and whether he proposes to discontinue it?
§ Sir W. WomersleyThe Ministry when it first considers the award of a pension does not normally ask for the information in question. Where, however, an individual has notified his intention to refer his case to an Appeal Tribunal the information is invariably sought in order that the Tribunal may have before it all evidence which may be relevant to the matter at issue. The information is also obtained in certain cases where the man asks the Ministry to review a refusal to award a pension and where the pre-Service medical record may have a bearing either way on the claim. I do not propose to discontinue obtaining this information where it appears necessary for a fair determination of the points at issue. The man concerned is supplied with a form on which to obtain the necessary particulars, and unless a fee is required by his panel doctor should not normally be put to any expense in the matter.