asked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware that John Edward Williams, who was admitted to the North Wales Asylum in 1916, shortly after his discharge from the Army, and maintained there at the cost of the Ministry of Pensions until September last, has now been transferred to the guardians; and the reasons for this step?

This man's disability is congenital, and in the opinion of the medical advisers to the Ministry was not affected by his short period of home service. The Ministry's decision is now final, having been confirmed on appeal by the Pensions Appeal Tribunal. It was, however, possible to defray the cost of maintenance and treatment for the period of the War and 12 months afterwards under the temporary compassionate provision made under Article 7 of the Royal Warrant, but this special authority expired finally on the 30th September last.