§ 15. Captain BOWYERasked the Minister of Pensions whether a man who is to-day drawing a disability pension, but who has now for the first time heard about the alternative pension, can apply for such an alternative pension?
Mr. ROBERTSThe Royal Warrant provides that a disabled pensioner may obtain an alternative pension, if found to be eligible for it, provided that he applies within one year of the first award of disability pension being made. Even if he is not eligible to obtain a pension at the time, but he considers that he may be under the necessity of claiming one at a subsequent date, he may merely record with the Ministry proof of his pre-War earnings, provided again that he does so within the period mentioned. The conditions of the Warrant as regards alternative pension have, from time to time, been extensively advertised in the Press, through the local offices of the Ministry and local War Pensions committees; and, to the fullest extent possible, to each individual pensioner on his first award of pension.
§ Captain BOWYERMay I take it that the answer is that he can to-day apply for an alternative pension?