§ 20. Mr. COLLISONasked the Minister of Pensions whether he is now able to 2473 state the results of his promised review into the cases of the 700 ex-service men now in pauper lunatic asylums?
§ Major TRYONI would refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave to the hon. Member for Bow and Bromley (Mr. Lansbury) on the 14th June, of which I am sending him a copy.
§ Mr. COLLISONDoes the right hon. and gallant Gentleman refuse to recognise any responsibility in this matter?
§ Major TRYONThe hon. Gentleman is, I am afraid, not quite aware of the fact that it was clearly laid down by the then Minister of Pensions, the right hon. Member for the Gorton Division (Mr. J. Hodge), one of the Labour Leaders, that the Ministry would not be responsible for these men for more than one year after the termination of the War. That was put into operation by the late Government, led by a Liberal, the late Prime Minister. We are merely adhering to a decision in which all parties were involved.
§ Mr. SHORTIf the right hon. and gallant Gentleman is not in agreement with that is he prepared to bring in an amending Resolution?
§ Major TRYONI strongly agree with it. I think my right hon. Friend the Member for the Gorton Division (Mr. Hodge) was perfectly right.
§ Mr. LAWSONHas not the decision been challenged?
§ Major TRYONI am not aware of any challenge to the fact that I have seen the actual signature of the right hon. Gentleman on the Warrant itself.
§ Mr. BECKERHave any of these men served overseas in any capacity whatever?
§ Major TRYONI could not give details without notice, but some did not join till after the War. All have had the right of appeal.