§ Mr. Walkdenasked the Minister of Pensions if he is aware that an ex-soldier 360W named Ward, of 60 Balby Road, Doncaster, who was discharged from the Army in 1916 suffering from head and shoulder wounds, was paid from 1925 up to his death in July, 1946, a pension of 100 per cent., was several times an in-patient in his Department's hospitals and underwent many operations; that, as a result of his final operation and illness, his widow has been called upon to pay £146; that the widow and her dependent child have been refused a pension; and if he will review the compassionate circumstances of this case and render all possible help to the widow and child.
§ Mr. BuchananIn view of the possible effect of Mr. Ward's wounds upon his general health, I am able to reverse the previous decision and to award his widow a modified pension with an allowance for her child at the full rate. She is also being invited to claim a rent allowance if her rent and rates amount to more than 8s. a week. As regards the first part of the Question, no charge has ever been made for the medical treatment provided by my Department. The bill referred to was sent to the widow by a civil hospital in respect of treatment outside my responsibility. There may have been some misunderstanding on this matter and I will make further inquiries and write to the hon. Member.