HC Deb 21 April 1921 vol 140 cc2035-6
9. Mr. SUGDEN

asked the Minister of Pensions if he will grant local war pensions committees discretionary prerogative to administer grants to disabled discharged soldiers whilst awaiting the decision of the Pensions Appeal Tribunal as to whether their disability is due to, or aggravated by, military service, and thus save some discharged soldiers the necessity of having to apply for parish relief?

Mr. MACPHERSON

In certain cases, under conditions which are defined in the Local War Pensions Committees' Handbook, recoverable advances may be made by the local committees to men whose appeals to the tribunal are awaiting decision. Having regard to the fact that claims to pension are only rejected by the Ministry after very careful consideration, I am unable to grant any extension of this concession.

Sir H. BRITTAIN

Can the right hon. Gentleman say what is the average time occupied by the tribunal before a decision is arrived at?

Mr. MACPHERSON

The hon. Member must put that question to the Attorney-General, who answers questions dealing with the appeal tribunal.