An HON. MEMBERwho failed to hand in his name had the following Question upon the Order Paper: 7. To ask the Minister of Pensions whether there has been any change in the provision made by his predecessor for an improved system of representation of war pensions committees on the 2399 advisory councils and of representation in turn of the advisory councils on the central advisory committee constituted by the War Pensions Act, 1921, thus providing for direct consideration by local area committees of the Ministry rules and Regulations; and, if so, will he place in the Library copies of any Circular or Circulars issued in this matter for the information of Members of the House?
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYOn a point of Order. May I ask, Sir, why you did not call on No. 7? I may say I am interested in the question, and would like to hear the answer.
Mr. DEPUTY-SPEAKERI did not call on No. 7, because I did not know on whom to call. I paused a moment to give the hon. Member who had sent in the question the opportunity of asking it.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYWhat happens in that ease? Do we get the answer in the OFFICIAL REPORT? Because this is an important question. [See col. 2438.]
§ 9. Sir HARRY BRITTAINasked the Minister of Pensions whether, in view of the saving of the nation to retain the Pensions Issue Office under one roof at Acton, he will resist any attempt to decentralise the work to local offices?
§ Major TRYONThe decentralisation of the issue of pensions is not in contemplation, and, as I have indicated recently in this House, I am opposed to such a change, which would not, in present circumstances, make for efficiency or economy of working.
§ Sir H. BRITTAINIs it not a fact that this is not only the best office building in the world, but, at the same time, one of the most economic and convenient to run?
§ Major TRYONThis centralised issue of pensions is greatly to the advantage of the pensioner, and is economical in cost of administration.