§ 7. Mr. SHORTasked the Minister of Pensions whether he has received a resolution passed by the Dudley Board of Guardians, to the effect that they have knowledge of many instances in which the pensions of ex-service men are inadequate for the disabilities incurred and cases of men whose health has been broken by naval and military service but who cannot obtain allowances; whether the board urges an increase in allowances and the provision of facilities for the reconsideration of the latter cases; if so, will he call for the cases of which the board has knowledge, so that they may be investigated; and what steps does he propose to take to obviate such criticisms?
§ Major TRYONI am unable to trace the receipt of any resolution from the union in question, but it would appear from the hon. Member's question to be in terms similar to a resolution passed by the Cardiff Board of Guardians which has, I understand, been circulated to other unions. The action which it is open to a board of guardians to take in any case where they receive an application from an ex-service man whom they may consider to be suffering from a war disability was clearly indicated in a circular issued at my instance by the Minister of Health in October, 1923.
§ Mr. SHORTCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether these boards of guardians referred any cases of this character to him for investigation?
§ Major TRYONAs I have informed the hon. Member, I have not been able to trace any such resolution. Any such cases should have been sent to the local officer of the Ministry.
§ Mr. SHORTCan the right hon. Gentleman tell me whether these boards of guardians have referred any case to the local officer?
§ Major TRYONI could not, without notice. If the hon. Member puts down a question, I shall be very happy to provide an answer.
§ Mr. STEPHENWill the right hon. Gentleman consider the re-issuing of that circular to the various boards of guardians and parish councils in Scotland, in order that they may have the matter brought to their memory?
§ Major TRYONI will consider the suggestion, but I have no reason to doubt they are properly informed.