§ 26. Captain BAGLEYasked the Minister of Labour, if he will state approximately how many applications for assistance are at present under consideration by the Civil Liabilities Committee; how many of these were received as long as 2, 4, 6, 8, and 12 months ago, respectively; and what steps have been taken to expedite the work of this Department in accordance with the promise given on 6th November last?
§ Mr. PARKER (Lord of the Treasury)The number of applications under consideration by the Civil Liabilities Department on the 14th February was 10,572 The number of cases now received from week to week vary from four to five thousand. It will, therefore, be apparent, having regard to the numbers I have given, that the remaining cases of long standing are few and isolated. Though I am not able to give actual figures, it is safe to say that there are very few cases now outstanding beyond two months, and where such cases exist they are explained in nearly every instance by a variety of causes over which the Department have no control In view of the figures I have given, the point put in the last part of the hon. and gallant Member's question does not appear to arise.
§ Captain BAGLEYIs the hon. Gentleman aware that there are two cases in my own constituency which have been hanging on for over eight months; in one case the Local War Pensions Committee could not get an answer to the letters they sent to the Department?
§ Sir M. BARLOWDoes the hon. Gentleman know, that from all parts of the Kingdom, so far as I am aware, letters are sent to the Civil Liabilities Committee, both from official bodies and private persons, and no answer whatever is returned?
§ Mr. INSKIPWould the hon. Gentleman convey to the Minister of Labour the suggestion that greater consideration should be given to the recommendations in these letters so as to avoid delay in the recommendations made by the Local Committees?
§ Mr. PARKERI will convey all these remarks to the Minister.