Mr. MacCALLUM SCOTT (by Private Notice)asked the Minister of Pensions if he can state the terms of reference to the Committee which he proposes to appoint to inquire into the local administration and machinery of the Ministry?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONThe terms of reference are to inquire into the system and methods of administration of the Ministry of Pensions with special reference to the working of the Regional and Local Committee systems and the existing arrangements for the issue of pensions.
Mr. SCOTTIs not the Committee to be specifically instructed to inquire into the increasing number of complaints as to the delays in paying arrears of pensions—as is the almost universal experience of Members of the House?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONI do not agree there has been an increasing number of complaints. That is, however, among the points the Committee will inquire into.
Mr. SCOTTIn order to influence the terms of reference to this Committee I propose to raise this subject on the Adjournment to-night.
§ Mr. CLYNESCan the right hon. Gentleman tell the House anything about the personnel of the Committee and the qualifications of the members?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONI am trying to get the services of some Members of this House and of experts outside.
§ Mr. NEWBOULDAre the terms of reference sufficiently wide to enable the Committee to inquire into the working of the Court of Appeal appointed by the Lord Chancellor?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONNo, unfortunately they are not. That Court was appointed at the instance of this House in order to review the judgments passed by the Military Pensions Committees; therefore I cannot ask this Committee appointed by myself to inquire into the working of a Court over which I have personally no jurisdiction.