HC Deb 09 December 1920 vol 135 c2387
11. Colonel NEWMAN

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he has received resolutions from Local War Pensions Committees that delay is constantly experienced, and forms a legitimate ground of complaint, in obtaining decisions or claims for alternative pensions, and that this delay is due to the referring of such claims to regional head quarters; that to investigate claims locally is a more expeditious, sympathetic, and satisfactory method; and that a searching inquiry should be con ducted into the whole system of regional administration; and what action does he propose to take?

Mr. MACPHERSON

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the answers given to the hon. and gallant Member for Bournemouth in reply to similar questions on the 2nd December, of which I am sending him copies. My hon. and gallant Friend will see that recent reports in the working of the new alternative pension procedure show a material shortening of the period taken under the old procedure to arrive at a decision.

Colonel NEWMAN

Is it not a fact that this system leads to the employment of a great many more people in pensions administration?

Mr. MACPHERSON

I am satisfied that that is not the case.

Major NALL

Will not the system ultimately lead to a considerable reduction?

Mr. MACPHERSON

I believe that that is so.