§ 81. Mr. HOGGEasked the Minister of Pensions whether inquiries respecting pre-War earnings of applicants for alternative pensions have been transferred to county court registrars; whether such inquiries are made by the registrar personally or by bailiffs of the county courts; what fee is paid; and to whom?
§ Major TRYONInquiries respecting the pre-War earnings of men in employment are now being carried out generally by registrars of county courts, except in the London area and in Scotland, where the work is done by special whole or part-time inquiry officers in the direct employ of the Ministry. The registrar is directly responsible to the Ministry for the inquiries which he makes personally or which are made under his direction by his staff. The Ministry reserve the right to cancel the arrangement in any case where they consider it is not working satisfactorily. A fee of 10s. is paid to the registrar for each case, except where the registrar is a permanent Civil servant, when a reduced fee is payable.
§ Mr. HOGGEIs it the fact that a bailiff has the right to investigate the domestic affairs of the widow of a soldier?
§ Major TRYONThe second part of my answer mentions powers reserved by the Minister enabling him to deal with this point.
§ Mr. HOGGEWill the hon. Gentleman see that the widows of these men do not have their domestic affairs investigated by an ordinary bailiff?
§ Major TRYONThis objection will certainly be considered.