Mr. De la Bèreasked the Minister of Pensions whether, in connection with the disablement pension to ex-Servicemen, where a pension is paid to a mental case, he will consider paying the money direct to the man's family instead of to the mental institution authorities, as is now the case.
§ Mr. BlenkinsopWhere the married pensioner is undergoing treatment approved by the Ministry for pensionable mental disability, treatment allowances are paid to his family and the cost of treatment is borne by the Ministry. Where the pension is awarded for a condition other than the mental condition, the pension allowances for the family are paid to the wife or guardian of the children, but the local authority responsible for the cost of treatment may claim reimbursement of that cost from the patient's personal pension. Such claims are usually waived in favour of the pensioner's family168W if there is hardship. I shall be glad to look into any particular case which the hon. Member may have in mind.