23. Mr. C. WHITELasked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware that the final awards boards; which have been set up to deal with Notts and Derbyshire cases sit only at Nottingham, thus causing inconvenience and expense to Derbyshire pensioners, in addition to which the 878 work has become so congested at Nottingham that doctors with no military service are employed to do this work, while Derbyshire doctors who served during the War have little or nothing to do so far as medical boards are concerned; and whether, under these circumstances, he will give instructions that Derbyshire cases shall be considered by a final awards board sitting at Derby?
§ Major TRYONThese boards are specially constituted and cannot, in the interest of public economy, be multiplied more than is necessary. I am satisfied that ho unnecessary inconvenience is occasioned by the existing arrangement. The position at Nottingham is, however, being carefully watched, and should an increase of these boards prove necessary, I will bear the hon. Member's suggestion in mind. I may point out that the travelling expenses and reasonable compensation for loss of time for the men concerned are paid by the Ministry.
Mr. WHITEDoes the right hon. Gentleman pretend that there are no cases of congestion at Nottingham, or that many of the people have not to wait a long time on these boards?
§ Major TRYONI shall be most happy to consider any point which the hon. Member cares to bring before me.
§ Major TRYONCertainly.
§ Mr. BETTERTONDoes not the right hon. Gentleman think it desirable that, in connection with these boards, only doctors with military service should be employed?
§ Major TRYONNo, Sir. I cannot admit that we can avoid the use of specialist for special purposes, but our main policy is not only to employ doctors with military service, but to give preference to doctors with military service overseas.