§ 26. Sir W. Darlingasked the Minister of Pensions if he is prepared to consider reviewing the regulations so that in the event of any member of the fighting Forces being invalided, disabled or dying on service, the illness, disability or death shall be deemed to be attributable to Military Service unless the contrary is proved.
§ Mr. Wilfred PalingThe war pensions instruments already provide that, in determining entitlement in such cases, certain presumptions shall be made in a398W claimant's favour, and that the benefit of any reasonable doubt shall be given to him. I am, however, unable to recommend any departure from the long established principle that, where disablement or death was unconnected with war service, an award of pension cannot be made.
§ Mr. Callaghanasked the Minister of Pensions if he will arrange to have heard, in the immediate future, the appeal of Mr. F. W. Fry, 46, Redlaver Street, Cardiff, under the Personal Injuries (Civilian) Scheme, which was submitted to him by the Cardiff Coal Trimmers Union over six months ago.
§ Mr. Wilfred PalingTwo copies of the statement to be submitted to the Pensions Appeal Tribunal will be sent to Mr. Fry in the course of the next few days. As soon as Mr. Fry signifies his approval of the statement the case will be sent to the Pensions Appeal Office and attention will be drawn to the hon. Member's request for an early hearing.