HC Deb 30 November 1922 vol 159 cc874-5
17. Mr. McENTEE

asked the Minister of Pensions if he is aware that the time of meeting of the Leyton and Walthamstow Area Pensions Committee has been fixed for 3 p.m. against the expressed wish of the ex-service members, and that as a consequence it is not possible for these men to attend the meetings without serious risk of losing their employment: and will he use his influence to have these meetings fixed at such a time as will enable ex-service men and other working-class representatives to attend without loss of working time?

Major TRYON

The time at which War Pensions Committees shall hold their meetings is, under the regulations, left in the discretion of the Committee. I feel sure that committees will themselves be able to arrive at some arrangement which will suit the convenience of all their members.

Mr. McENTEE

Will the right hon. Gentleman use his influence, as suggested, in view of the fact that the Committee has not been able to enter into this arrangement, and that, as a consequence, these men, working-class representatives and ex-service men, are debarred from attending the Committee?

Major TRYON

It would be very undesirable for the Ministry to embark on such a course as would be involved in an attempt to settle the time at which hundreds of committees should sit. I hope that the committees will arrange the time of their meetings in a way to meet the convenience of ex-service men.

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