§ 8. Sir WILFRID SUGDENasked the Minister of Pensions whether he has inquired into the complaint that the assessors in the north-western region are required by the regional awards officer to reduce a certain number of pensions weekly; that if they affirm or, in some cases, increase the assessment the regional awards officer sends for them and inquires why they have not produced the regular quota of reductions; and, if he has made such an inquiry, whether he will state the result of his investigations?
§ Major TRYONI have made careful inquiry into this allegation, and am satisfied that there is no foundation whatever for it. The hon. and gallant Member for Salford (Lieut.-Commander Astbury) has given me no assistance, but I have had full reports from the Regional Director, the Commissioner of Medical Services, the Regional Awarding Officer and the Medical Assessors, all of whom deny the charge absolutely. I need scarcely add that any such practice would be entirely contrary to all instructions, and, indeed, impossible under the existing organisation of the Regional Office.