HC Deb 26 February 1920 vol 125 cc1877-9
7. Sir P. GRIGGS

asked the Pensions Minister whether he is aware of the delay in forwarding the quarterly pension books to the district post offices, whereby incapacitated men have to wait two or three months before being able to draw their pensions, and whether he can give any reason for such delay, and will cause inquiries to be made to expedite or remove the delay which is causing inconvenience to many pensioners?

3. Major CAYZER

asked the Pensions Minister whether he is aware that considerable dissatisfaction exists amongst pensioners, many of whom are widows and entirely dependent on their pensions, owing to the delay in the issue of new draft books to the post-offices from which pensions are drawn, and whether he can give an assurance that steps will be taken to expedite the issue of these draft books to the post offices?

Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANS

As I explained in reply to a question put to me on the 23rd inst., the work of Pension Issue Office fell into arrear, owing to the exceptionally heavy burden placed upon it of re-assessing over a million pensions while at the same time carrying on the current work of the branch. I can assure hon. Members that every effort is being made to expedite the work. Already the position has very greatly improved, and I hope that in a few weeks the arrears will have been overtaken.

Mr. SHORT

How are these people expected to live if they do not get the books issued in time?

Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANS

I do not think that there are any books in arrear. I quite agree that there have been, and I very much regret it, but the reason for it is what I have given.

Mr. SHORT

In view of the position, is it not possible to get the necessary assistance from among the unemployed?

Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANS

That is quite outside the question.

Mr. RENWICK

If the staff is short handed, would it not be possible to draft some officials from some other Departments which are over-staffed?

Sir L. WORTH INGTON-EVANS

That has been and is being done for the very purpose of overtaking the arrears. No one need actually suffer financially by the delay, because local war pensions committees are empowered to advance the money.

Mr. J. DAVISON

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in many instances people who sent letters to local pensions committees failed to receive replies?

Sir L. WORTH INGTON-EVANS

I am not aware of that.

Mr. DAVISON

Well, that is so.