§ 1. Mr. PETOasked the Minister of Pensions whether he is in agreement with the object of the War Pensions Acts (Amendment) Bill introduced by the hon. Member for West Bromwich (Mr. F. O. Roberts); and whether the Government intend to give facilities for its passage into law during the present Session?
§ The MINISTER of PENSIONS (Major Tryon)My view of the actual proposals contained in this Bill is given in my reply to the hon. Member for Mansfield (Mr. A. J. Bennett) on the 19th April. With regard to the latter part of the question, I can add nothing to the reply given to the hon. Member for West Bromwich on the 16th April by my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary.
§ Mr. MACPHERSONWhen is the right hon. Gentleman likely to make a statement to the House on this important question?
§ Major TRYONI hope, if the Opposition consider there is anything wrong with the administration of pensions, they will take the opportunity of saying so in Debate, and I shall be glad of the opportunity of replying. The whole principle of this Bill can be secured by administration.
§ Mr. KIRKWOODIf you get the "bag" will you take it?
§ Mr. LANSBURYWill not the right hon. Gentleman kindly communicate with 1573 those who want to help him in administering the principle embodied in that Bill and tell us how we can do it?
§ Mr. PETOAm I to understand that the principle embodied in the Bill, namely, that all incapacity is to be considered as attributable to War service, unless the contrary is proved, is one which the right hon. Gentleman accepts and says he can carry nut by administration?
§ Major TRYONNo Government could possibly accept that principle, and no Government could administer such a Bill.