§ Mr. Binnsasked the Minister of Pensions if he is aware that Pensions Medical Boards closely question claimants for benefit as to their employment; and, in view of paragraph 9 of the Royal warrant published under Cmd. 6489, why this is done and how the impartial judgment required under paragraph 9 of the Royal warrant is obtained.
§ Mr. Wilfred PalingMedical boards are expressly instructed not to question a claimant as to his earnings; but information about the nature of his employment is helpful in arriving at a proper medical appreciation of the individual case. Where a pensioner is found to be following unsuitable employment it is clearly in his interests that he should be advised accordingly. I can, however, assure the hon. Member that the information does not prejudice the findings of the medical board.