§ 20. Mr. BECKERasked the Under-Secretary of State for War under what authority Army Form D 415 was issued; what is the authority for withholding pension in cases where a pensioner fails to render the above form; and whether he is aware of the feeling amongst ex-service pensioners owing to the introduction of this form?
§ Mr. GWYNNEThis Army form was in use for many years before the War, and has been re-introduced in accordance with Treasury direction, and with the views expressed by the Public Accounts Committee in their third Report in 1921. Failure to render the form involves doubt, as to the claimant's identity, and payment in such cases is necessarily delayed pending inquiry. In regard to the last part of the question, I am not aware that there is any special feeling amongst pensioners other than the normal feeling of annoyance which is shared by all of as when we are asked to fill up Government forms.
§ Mr. HARMSWORTHIs it absolutely necessary to issue one more form for ex-service men to fill up?
§ Mr. GWYNNEI think it saves delay in the long run if the Department is quite certain as to the facts.
§ Mr. BECKERIs the hon. Member aware that the ex-service men referred to in the last part of the question feel like ticket-of-leave men after filling up this form, and that is why I want it to be made a little more elastic?
§ Mr. GWYNNEIt is merely filling a form up each year, in order that the benefits may be certified.