§ 14. Mr. PENNEFATHERasked the Pensions Minister the reason for the delay in introducing the War Pensions (Local Committees) Bill of which he gave notice at the commencement of the Session; and when its introduction may now be expected?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of PENSIONS (Colonel Sir A. Griffith-Boscawen)The delay in the introduction of this Bill has been due in some degree to the necessity of consultation with other Departments, but mainly to my desire to make this Bill a more satisfactory and comprehensive one by including certain Amendments which recent experience and changes suggested. The Bill is now with the draftsman, and I hope it will be possible to introduce it at an early date.
§ Mr. PENNEFATHERCould the hon. and gallant Gentleman specify which Department it is which is delaying the production of this Bill? Is it the Treasury?
§ Sir A. GRIFFITH-BOSCAWENWe have been in consultation with various Departments, the Treasury, among them, and I hope the differences may be shortly adjusted.