§ 11. Mr. HOGGEasked the Pensions Minister whether the scale which was drawn up prior to the 6th March to dispose of disabled men who would not be entitled to the exceptional grant of £150 is actually in existence; and whether he proposes to communicate it to the House?
§ The MINISTER of PENSIONS (Mr. Barnes)The scale to which the hon. Member refers was being drawn up on the 6th March; but I had not seen it then, and have not seen it since. Any report to the contrary is based on a misunderstanding, although, having read "Hansard," I absolve the reporter from any responsibility for its having possibly misled others besides the hon. Member. On consideration of the Officers' Warrant, we had begun to contemplate possible increase of gratuity, it was subsequently increased by 50 per cent., and a new scale was then put in hand. This I do not propose to communicate to the House. It is intended to form a guide for Departmental purposes only.