HC Deb 15 May 1968 vol 764 cc251-2W
63. Mr. Frank Allaun

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will hold a public inquiry into the permanent injury of Guardsman Stefan Szulimowska, aged 19 years, during his training at Pir-bright Camp, when a mortar smoke bomb overshot the area hitting the guardsman as he was sitting in a trench; and why no explanation was given his parents at the time.

Mr. Boyden

No. There are statutory rules governing the inquiries which are to be held into accidents of this kind, and they have been fully observed.

As regards the second part of my hon. Friend's Question, on their first visit to their son in hospital Mr. and Mrs. Szulimowski were met by an officer who had been engaged in the exercise and was able to give them a first-hand account of the accident.

64. Mr. Frank Allaun

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if, as Guardsman Stefan Szulimowska of Salford sustained a compound skull fracture and the loss of the use of an arm and leg in a training accident, he will be paid special compensation by the Army above the £7 12s. a week he is now receiving from the Ministry of Social Security.

Mr. Boyden

No.

The assessment and payment of compensation under the Royal Warrant in a case of injury attributable to military service is entirely a matter for my right hon. Friend the Minister of Social Security.