§ Mr. Thorneasked the Minister of Pensions if he will review the arrangements for his medical advisers investigating the physical condition of disabled Servicemen under review so as to ensure a complete and thorough medical examination before a reduction in their allowance.
§ Sir W. WomersleyA decision to reduce an award of disability pension granted by my Department is taken only after a complete and thorough examination has shown that there has been sufficient improvement in the pensioner's condition to justify such a course. I am satisfied with the existing arrangements, but if my hon. Friend has a particular case in mind in which he feels that pension was reduced without adequate medical examination I will gladly look into it on his furnishing me with particulars.
§ Sir J. Nallasked the Minister of Pensions whether it is the intention of the Government to follow the precedent of December, 1918, and move to set up a Select Committee of the House to inquire and report upon the best methods to administer the Pension Acts and Warrants; and what steps are necessary for the removal and prevention of legitimate grievances.
§ Sir W. WomersleyI would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister to a Question on 15th May as to the revision of war pensions. I can only add that if the question of setting up a Select Committee is to be considered with full knowledge of the relevant facts, this cannot be done until the war is completely ended.
§ Mr. E. Granvilleasked the Minister of Pensions what steps he has taken to increase the pension of Private Rumsby, of Mellis, particulars of which have been sent to him.
§ Sir W. WomersleyI assume from this Question that Mr. Rumsby considers that his condition has deteriorated since he was last medically examined. A further medical board is therefore being arranged and I will inform the hon. Member of the result.