HC Deb 09 May 1940 vol 360 c1427W
Mr. Rostron Duckworth

asked the Minister of Pensions the average payment to date made under the War Service Grants Advisory Committee Scheme?

Sir W. Womersley

The average war service grant from the inception of the committee down to the payment date is 7s. 8d. per week.

Captain Plugge

asked the Minister of Pensions whether, when a person has a right of appeal to the Minister, the facts submitted are considered by the Minister personally or by an independent tribunal or by civil servants in the employ of the Ministry?

Sir W. Womersley

The practice in a case of this nature is that all the facts are fully reviewed by an officer of superior rank to the one who gave the original decision. Where a medical issue is involved, a principal medical officer is consulted, and if thought desirable the opinion of an independent medical expert is sought. It would be clearly impossible for the Minister to see every case of complaint or appeal, but wherever the issue is one of importance the case would be put before me.