§ 81. Mr. BARNESasked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware that a circular has been issued by the chief area officer for West Ham notifying that, in future, all claims for travelling expenses or subsistence allowance in connection with out-patients' treatment must be lodged in his office monthly or on completion of the hospital card, whichever is the earlier, that no payments in respect of travelling or subsistence allowances will be made on the 4th of July, but as from that date payment in respect of those claims will be made the following week; for example, claims for fares incurred up to Wednesday, the 4th of July, will, after scrutiny, be paid on Wednesday, the 11th of July, and the next claim should be lodged on the first Wednesday in August or when the hospital card has nine attendances marked thereon; whether he is aware that many of the men affected have to travel long distances, frequently at considerable expense, for hospital treatment; whether the circular is issued with his authority and whether it is national or local in character; and if he will consider the advisability of withdrawing it and thus obviate this financial hardship on the men concerned?
The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of PENSIONS (Captain Cramp)The procedure referred to was unauthorised and has now been cancelled. My right hon. Friend is obliged to the hon. Member for calling attention to the matter.