asked the Minister of Pensions how many men have been struck off treatment allowances in consequence of the circular of the Ministry dealing with the supervision of out-patient treatment; how many of those struck off allowances were certified by the Ministry of Pensions fit for any work; how many were ordered to continue treatment without allowances; and whether, in view of the posters issued by the Minister of Pensions in 1919 intimating to disabled men that during treatment, while unable to earn, they would be given adequate allowances for the support of themselves and their families, this practice will be reconsidered?
I regret that the figures for which my hon. Friend asks are not available. I would, however, point out that it is not the duty of the medical officers of the Ministry to certify men as fit for work, and that treatment allowances can only be authorised under the terms of the Royal Warrant when, in consequence of the treatment provided, the man is rendered unable to provide for his own support and that of his family. This is not a new principle, and I am not prepared to recommend any amendment of the Warrant in this respect.