§ 22. Sir W. de FRECEasked the Secretary of State for War if complaints have reached him as to the slowness with which applications for pensions are dealt with by the Royal Chelsea Hospital authorities; whether he is satisfied that the existing machinery is adequate for the purpose; and what is the direct control over such machinery exercised by his Department?
§ Major ATTLEENo complaints have reached me, and I have no reason to think that the existing arrangements for expediting business are inadequate. The working of the office arrangements is controlled by the Commissioners, and not directly by the Army Council, but the War Office is largely represented on the Board. If the hon. Member will furnish me with particulars of any case in which he thinks there has been undue delay, I will inquire into it, and will communicate with him further.
§ Sir W. de FRECEWill the hon. Member let us know exactly what type of pensioners are actually dealt with by the Chelsea authorities, as there is public misconception on the point?
§ Major ATTLEEIf the hon. Member will put down a question, I will endeavour to answer him.