HC Deb 11 March 1920 vol 126 cc1495-7
3. Captain COOTE

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware that in the case of disabled officers a consideraable time elapses between the date of gazetting to the retired list and consequent cessation of half pay, and the grant of disability retired pay upon the award of the Ministry; whether he is aware that the delay causes financial hardship in such cases; and whether he can arrange that such officers may obtain an advance of disability retired pay pending confirmation by the Ministry of the medical board's award upon the same conditions as such an advance is now given to disabled non-commissioned officers and men.

Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANS

My hon. and gallant Friend's suggestion has been in operation for nearly a year. Advances are made to cover periods of inevitable delay, but delays in the case of regular officers to whom my hon. and gallant Friend refers are extremely rare.

5. Mr. PENNEFATHER

asked the Minister of Pensions how many Local War Pensions Committees there are in the United Kingdom; and how many have given an undertaking under the terms of the National Scheme for the employment of disabled ex-service men?

Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANS

Long before the National Scheme was instituted the Local War Pensions Committees were instructed to employ disabled men. They have not hitherto been asked to give the formal undertaking required by the National Scheme, as it is recognised that they are in a position of exceptional responsibility towards the disabled and that a pledge to employ five per cent. of disabled men would be inappropriate to their case I am, however, considering whether they should not be asked to give the undertaking on the basis of a higher percentage.

Mr. BILLING

Would the right hon. Gentleman ask for a return from these various War Pension Committees saying what proportion are disabled soldiers, so that we may have an opportunity of ascertaining whether they are carrying this out or not?

Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANS

I made inquiry in my own office this morning and was told that we can be satisfied that a great many more than 5 per cent. of disabled men are employed. I do not want to call for a return if I can help it, because there are 1,500 committees and sub-committees who are very busy.

Mr. PENNEFATHER

Can the House understand that the right hon. Gentleman is taking such steps as are possible to secure the maximum employment for disabled men by War Pensions Committees?

Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANS

Certainly.