HC Deb 06 August 1940 vol 363 cc40-1W
Mr. Logan

asked the Minister of Pensions what arrangements, including present rate of pension, have been fixed for Private Dykstra, Mile End, Liverpool?

Sir W. Womersley

Instructions have been issued for the temporary continuance of the award at the total disablement rate (now 34s. 2d). An artificial foot will be supplied in a few days and later on a further medical examination will be held on the result of which the further rate of pension will be determined.

Mr. Collindridge

asked the Minister of Pensions what steps have been taken to obviate any delay in notifying the Departments' decisions to applicants for special war grants; and whether claims at present are being speedily liquidated?

Miss Wilkinson

Steps have been, and are being, taken to reduce delay to a minimum and my hon. Friend is satisfied that this result is being achieved. The hon. Member will realise, however, that the amount of any grant depends on the facts in each case and while, in a majority of cases the facts are clear and a grant can be, and is, made without delay, a minority of cases necessarily present difficulty and some small delay may occur in settling them.

Mr. Mainwaring

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he is now in a position to implement the promise given, and make a full statement covering the faciltiesi for otaining special war grants for members of the armed forces?

Miss Wilkinson

All men called up are informed of the special war service grants scheme and are given an opportunity of making application at the time of their medical examination. In the case of men enlisting voluntarily the recruiting officer brings the scheme to the notice of the recruit. Men already serving who may not so far have made an application can obtain advice and assistance in the preparation of claim from the welfare officer of the command and can get the necessary forms of application through the commanding officer. Moreover, for the benefit of families of men serving outside this country, notices have been posted in all Post Offices and the necessary forms of application and all information will be supplied through offices of the Assistance Board. Further, several unofficial organisations such as the Citizens Advice Bureaux, branches of the British Legion, and of the Soldiers', Sailors, and Airmen's Families Association are in a position to give full information.