HC Deb 01 August 1922 vol 157 cc1249-50
41. Mr. LAWSON

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he will circulate a return showing all alterations of Royal Warrants, Orders in Council, and instructions and regulations of the Ministry of Pensions or the Special Grants Committee during the past 12 months, by which any advantages, financial or otherwise, given to ex-service men have been varied or withdrawn; and whether he will state the number of persons affected by such alterations?

Major TRYON

Amendments of Royal Warrants and other Regulations of the Ministry are published in the normal course, and a new handbook consolidating the practice and administration of pensions is now in course of preparation. A special return, which, if it were not to be gravely misleading, would have also to set out all improvements in the detail of administration which have been to the advantage of pensioners, would not be commensurate in value with the labour and expense involved, My right hon. Friend is not, therefore, prepared to accept the suggestion.

Mr. LAWSON

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that many of those who are interested in the administration of pensions have considerable haziness as to the meaning of the more recent changes, and, in view of that, does the hon. and gallant Gentleman not consider it necessary to clear up this matter?

When will the handbook be ready? It is very necessary.

Major TRYON

I cannot give the hon. Member the date of the publication of the handbook, but I am in entire agreement with him that it would be of great advantage to have this new handbook Everything possible ought to be known to the pensioners, so that they can get their full rights.

Mr. C. WHITE

Will this be available for Members of Parliament?

Major TRYON

Certainly, as I have already stated.

Colonel ASHLEY

Will the hon. and gallant Gentleman, at any rate, indicate some of the improvements?

Major TRYON

I am afraid that I cannot give a detailed list in a supplementary answer, but I might mention some of them. For instance, the maxi-mum rate of dependant's need pension has been raised from 18s. to 205. That is a material improvement. The concessions granted to men suffering from tuberculosis have been extended to officers. The reorganisation of areas will save this country about £300,000 a year in the cost of administration, and in the making of final awards, a great benefit to the pensioners, we are making good progress.

Mr. LAWSON

Was the Warrant for the 12th July made in the ordinary way, because there is a considerable amount of doubt among Members of this House, as well as among war pensions associations?

Major TRYON

If the hon. Member has any doubt, and will communicate with me, I will do my best to clear up the matter.