§ 20. Major CLIFTON BROWNasked the Minister of Pensions whether he has yet issued any instructions limiting the frequent re-investigation of the circumstances of need pensioners; if so, whether new awards of need pension will now be made for at least three years;and how far this principle will be applied to existing need pensions when the current award expires?
§ Major TRYONInstructions have now been issued under which all new awards of need pension will be made for a period of three years. As regards current awards I have arranged that when they next fall due for review they shall be renewed without re-investigation, for either one or two years, and that at the end of these periods they shall be investigated and if found admissible renewed for either two or three years. It will of course always be open to the pensioner to apply for an increased award, and similarly should a material change of circumstances come otherwise to notice the case will be re-investigated and the award suitably adjusted. This method enables me to ensure that the pensions are properly granted and at the same time to meet reasonably the demand for longer awards and freedom from inquiry with which I may say I have much sympathy.