HC Deb 09 April 1925 vol 182 cc2398-9
An HON. MEMBER

who 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 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 KENWORTHY

On 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-SPEAKER

I 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 KENWORTHY

What happens in that ease? Do we get the answer in the OFFICIAL REPORT? Because this is an important question. [See col. 2438.]

Mr. DEPUTY-SPEAKER

That is outside my province.

9. Sir HARRY BRITTAIN

asked 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 TRYON

The 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. BRITTAIN

Is 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 TRYON

This centralised issue of pensions is greatly to the advantage of the pensioner, and is economical in cost of administration.