§ 39. Mr. WILKIEasked the President of the Local Government Board whether he is aware of the dissatisfaction existing with the various local War Pensions Committees due to the delay of the Statutory Committee of the Royal Patriotic Fund Corporation in issuing Part I. of their Regulations; if he can state the reason of such delay; and whether he can expedite the issue of such Regulations?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the LOCAL GOVERNMENT BOARD (Mr. Hayes Fisher)I regret that any inconvenience should have arisen in consequence of these Regulations not having at present been issued. The Statutory Committee have given unremitting attention to them, but great care was required in framing them, and actuarial advice had to be obtained. The Regulations have now been submitted to the Treasury for approval, and as soon as that approval is obtained they will be issued.
§ Mr. HOGGECan the right hon. Gentleman say whether these Regulations are to be submitted to the House of Commons for their approval or criticism, apart from the Treasury, before they are published?
§ Mr. HAYES FISHERThe House of Commons will have an opportunity, no doubt, of debating them, and that opportunity will be given before very long.
§ Mr. HOGGEWhat is the use of debating Regulations after they are framed and people have actually been paid? Why cannot the House of Commons, which controls these matters, discuss them before they are assented to?
§ Mr. HAYES FISHERThe House of Commons gave power to the Statutory Committee and the Treasury, and that power is being exercised in the usual way.
§ Mr. J. SAMUELWhat is the object of these Regulations?
§ Mr. HAYES FISHERThe object of the Regulations is to erect some standard by which the flat rate of pension may be supplemented, and to, as far as possible, enforce that general standard throughout 26 the country acting through local committees and on their recommendation in each individual case.