HL Deb 09 March 1999 vol 598 cc28-30WA
Lord Morris of Manchester

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What representations have been made to the War Pensions Agency about Richard Pruszynski's claim for a war pension in relation to his service with 32 Field Hospital, Wadi Al Batin, during the Gulf War; and when they expect the case to be resolved. [HL1241]

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Social Security (Baroness Hollis of Heigham)

One of the key aims is that delivery of service should be simpler and more efficient. Queries on operational matters concerning the War Pensions Agency are for its Chief Executive, Mr. Gordon Hextall. I have asked him to write to the noble Lord.

Letter to Lord Morris of Manchester from the Chief Executive of the War Pensions Agency, Mr. Gordon Hextall, dated 6 March 1999.

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Social Security has asked me to reply to your recent parliamentary Question about the progress of Mr. Richard Pruszynski's application for a War Disablement Pension (WDP).

Since Mr. Pruszynski first claimed a WDP, the Agency has received six letters from Mr. Pruszynski, one from the Royal College of Nursing, one from The Royal British Legion and one from the National Gulf Veterans and Families Association.

To resolve this claim, we have sought, and have now received, records and supporting evidence from the Ministry of Defence, the Gulf Veterans Medical Assessment programme, the Gulf Veterans Illness Unit and his General Practitioner. I can confirm that the claim has now been resolved and Mr. Pruszynski was notified of his entitlement to a WDP on 1 March 1999.

I hope you find my reply helpful.