HC Deb 24 July 1924 vol 176 cc1488-90
6. Mr. ROBERT MORRISON

asked the Minister of Pensions if he is aware that the Tottenham and Edmonton Local War Pensions Committee have had a number of cases brought to their notice in which part of the appellant's medical history, although in the possession of the area officers, has been withheld from the appellant and his representative; and, in view of the suspicions aroused upon this matter, whether he will receive a email deputation from this Committee in order that the matter may be satisfactorily cleared up?

Mr. ROBERTS

I am aware, from statements in the local Press, that complaint in regard to the matter referred to has been made in two cases. I have asked for particulars of these cases, which will be investigated. If necessary, I shall be pleased to receive a deputation.

9. Mr. MURROUGH WILSON

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he will consider the desirability of notifying the pensioner of His right to appeal, shortly before the expiration of such right, in order to obviate the waste of both time and money caused by bringing the appellant to the Pensions Appeal Tribunal only to be told that the Court has no power to hear the case owing to the fact that the Ministry had posted a notice to the appellant some 12 months or mow previously?

Mr. ROBERTS

A man in respect of whom a final award is made is expressly advised of his right of appeal at the time that the award is notified to him. It is my desire to secure that every man who has the right of appeal should be assisted to exercise it if he desires to do so. But the particular suggestion made by the hon. Member has already been put before the Ministry by the British Legion, and, after most careful consideration, was found to be impracticable.

10. Mr. M. WILSON

asked the Minister of Pensions what number of cases have been sent to the Pensions Appeal Tribunal in which the Ministry objected to their being heard on account of their being out of time, and the number of those cases in which the Ministry have sustained their objection?

Mr. ROBERTS

I regret that the figures asked for are not available, but if the hon. Member will put down a question again in a week's time, I hope to be able to furnish some information on the matter.