§ Lord Cullen of Ashbourneasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether it is the case that the War Pensions Agency pays for palliative skilled nursing care for severely disabled war pensioners in recognised nursing homes; and whether they will pay for similar care in the home, particularly when to do so will avoid the separation of husband and wife.
§ The Minister of State, Department of Social Security (Lord Mackay of Ardbrecknish)Article 26 of the Naval, Military and Air Forces etc. (Disablement and Death) Service Pensions Order 1983 and Article 25B of the Personal Injuries (Civilians) Scheme 1983 provide that nursing expenses in respect of medical, surgical or rehabilitative treatment may be defrayed by the Secretary of State. This discretionary power is normally used to meet the cost of providing skilled nursing care for severely disabled war pensioners in private nursing homes. Only in exceptional circumstances would consideration be given to meeting the cost of providing such care in the war pensioner's own home. Avoiding the separation of husband and wife would not of itself be regarded as constituting exceptional circumstances.