7. Mr. T. THOMSONasked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware of the hardships inflicted upon many pensioners by the reduction in their pensions now being enforced by his Department on the grounds of the incorrect assessment of 692 their original dependency; and what steps he proposes to take to mitigate the same?
§ The MINISTER of PENSIONS (Major Tryon)I have given instructions under which any of these pensioners who are dissatisfied with the decision of the Department may have their cases specially reconsidered by the Ministry.
Mr. THOMSONWill the right hen. Gentleman suspend further reductions until the whole matter has been reconsidered?
§ Major TRYONReductions are not made until after proper inquiry.
§ Mr. NEIL MACLEANWill the pensioner himself have a right of appeal to the Committee?
§ Major TRYONI have already announced the arrangements, which will give every opportunity to the pensioner of making a personal or a written application in the matter.
§ Mr. MACLEANIn the case of pensioners already refused an inquiry, will the matter be reconsidered?
§ Major TRYONIf the hon. Gentleman will read my answer, I think he will find that I have already answered that point.
§ Lieut.-Colonel NALLWhere on inquiry it has been found that the pensioner, or his dependants, have received an allowance in excess of that to which they are entitled, and that this has been going on for some years, and no claim for repayment of the excess has been made, are we to understand that that excess is to be refunded?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThat appears to be quite a new question, which does not arise here.