HC Deb 05 November 1918 vol 110 cc1905-6
34. Mr. HOGGE

asked the Pensions Minister whether he can state the number of the staff of the Special Grants Committee; how many cases per week are brought before the Committee; how often the Committee meets; and how many cases are pending decisions at date?

Sir A. GRIFFITH-BOSCAWEN

The number of the present staff of the Special Grants Committee is 154. Taking the figures for last week, 2,692 cases were brought before the Committee for decision, and at the close of the week 4,908 cases were in action but were not ripe for decision. A further 760 cases had been received too recently for action. Sections of the Committee dealing with individual cases meet daily, and the full Committee once a fortnight.

Mr. HOGGE

Do I understand that there are at least 4,000 cases outstanding?

Sir A. GRIFFITH-BOSCAWEN

I do not quite know what the hon. Member means by outstanding.

Mr. HOGGE

Not decided.

Sir A. GRIFFITH-BOSCAWEN

These cases require a great deal of investigation. There are about 4,000 cases, as I have said, in action.

Mr. HOGGE

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that when I stated it last week it was denied?

Sir A. GRIFFITH-BOSCAWEN

I am not aware of that.