HC Deb 04 May 1922 vol 153 cc1516-7
3. Mr. SWAN

asked the Minister of Pensions if he is aware of the bitter resentment and disappointment at the proposal which has been made in the regrouping of the local war pensions administrative areas in the suggestion to terminate the appointment of Mr. McKay, secretary to the Lanchester War Pensions Committee; that Mr. McKay's services have been considered by his committee and the ex-service men's organisations, and all concerned with the administration of war pensions, as highly efficient; that the action of the Ministry of Pensions is causing widespread discontent and protests, especially as it is known how well his work has been done; that he has rendered three or four years' voluntary service to the committee as secretary, and that the suggested change will not add either to economy or efficiency; and will he consider the advisability of retaining the useful services of Mr. McKay as secretary in the area?

Mr. MACPHERSON

I agree that Mr. McKay's services as secretary to this committee have been satisfactory, and I am sorry that I am not in a position to offer him re-employment under the Ministry. In this case, that could only be done at the expense of suitable ex-service candidates of experience to whom I feel sure the House will agree preference should be given.

Mr. SWAN

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this gentleman had three sons who served in the Army and that he gave up a fairly lucrative post to devote his services to this humane Department of Pensions; and is he aware that there are 10,000 cases which in the event of a new man coming in will create chaos and consternation to all the ex-service men?

Mr. MACPHERSON

I realise the very great difficulty in a case of this kind, but I have to give a preference to an ex-service man if he is in every way suitable, and in this case I understand there have been several ex-service men on my lists who would be otherwise deprived of a job.

Mr. SWAN

Will the right hon. Gentleman suspend the suspension of that until he has met a deputation of ex-service men in that area?