§ 31. Viscountess AST0Rasked the Minister of Labour whether, in view of the apparent congestion of correspondence in the Military Service (Civil Liabilities) Department, which results in official communications from the Plymouth War Pensions Committee remaining unanswered, and in unsatisfactory treatment being given to the claims of disabled men throughout the country, he will consider the desirability of suggesting that this Department should be placed under the Ministry of Pensions in order that there may be greater concentration of authority and greater efficiency in dealing with grants and allowances to ex-service men?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAI am afraid there has been delay in replying to communications. But I have satisfied myself personally that every effort is being made to deal promptly with communications which reach this Department, and I should be very glad indeed if my hon. Friend would avail herself of an opportunity of inspecting its organisation and routine. I have called for a full report of the complaint from Plymouth.
Mr. PALMERIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that throughout the country there is the gravest dissatisfaction with the work of this Department, and will he scrap the lot and institute a new Department which will deal in a businesslike and humane manner with the applications that come before it?
Dr. MAGNAMARAI have no intention of scrapping the lot—a phrase I seem to remember in another connection. I took occasion last Saturday week to spend a part of the morning there, and I am satisfied that those who are there are working very hard. They have cleared away a vast amount of work.