§ 45. Sir Henry Morris-Jonesasked the Prime Minister whether an opportunity will be given to the House shortly to discuss the question of pensions arising from disability in the Services, and amongst those engaged in Civil Defence; and whether, before such discussion takes place, a White Paper can be presented to Parliament reviewing the position in general and in some detail since September, 1939?
§ The Prime Minister (Mr. Churchill)Several Debates on the Motion for the Adjournment have been arranged this year, and another is impending, for the discussion of particular aspects of pensions administration. Moreover, I do not rule out the possibility of finding time for the Minister to present to the House the Estimates for his Department, in. which event hon. Members would have a further opportunity for more general discussion. Meanwhile the Statutory Advisory Committee to the Minister of Pensions, which contains representatives of the three principal parties, is meeting regularly, and I see no sufficient reason for a special Debate or a White Paper at the present time.
§ Mr. A. BevanWill the Prime Minister ask the Minister of Pensions to expedite the report of this Committee, because many important matters are outstanding which cannot be decided until the Committee has reported?
§ The Prime MinisterI will see that the attention of my right hon. Friend is drawn to the Question which has been put by my hon. Friend opposite.
§ Sir H. Morris-JonesCan the Prime Minister give consideration to the pos of a discussion on the Adjournment for the Recess, because this has become an increasingly complicated and important matter affecting our civilian population; and will my right hon. Friend give the House an opportunity to go more fully into it?
§ The Prime MinisterIt is perhaps too soon to parcel out matters for discussion on the Adjournment for the Recess.