§ 4. Mr. LUNNasked the Minister of Pensions whether it is possible to carry out any system of decentralisation in the regulation of pensions, with a view to reducing the present congestion at head-quarters and expediting the payment of service pensions?
§ Major TRYONI assume my hon. Friend refers to the payment of pensions, as the Awards Branch of the Ministry have now been decentralised. As stated in reply to previous questions on this subject, the question of decentralising Pension Issue Office has not escaped attention, but it is not considered to be a practicable step at the present time.
§ Mr. LUNNDoes the hon. and gallant Gentleman believe that the continual reduction of the powers of local war pensions committees, which have done good work during the War, is in the interests either of the ex-service men or of efficient administration?
§ Major TRYONI do not think the reduction of the powers of local war pensions committees arises on this question. The policy has been to decentralise by establishing regional control.