Mr. TREVELYAN THOMSONasked the Minister of Pensions whether he is satisfied that, under existing regulations, pensioners and their dependants who are unable to afford to pay the travelling expenses of any person or friend to appear with them before the appeals tribunal are able to do justice to their own cases; and, if not, will he take steps to amend the War Pensions Acts so that he may be in a position to make the necessary Regulations whereby each appellant shall be assured of the fullest opportunity of having his case properly presented to the tribunal?
§ Major TRYONI would refer the hon. Member to the answers given to him on the same subject on the 18th December and the 19th March last.
Mr. THOMSONIs the Minister satisfied that appellants have a proper opportunity of stating their case without this assistance? If not, will he make representations in the proper quarters?
§ Major TRYONAs the hon. Member knows, in a case where the applicant finds difficulty, it is already laid down that the Chairman is to render every possible assistance, and expenses can be obtained in respect of any evidence which, in the opinion of the tribunal, may be required.
§ Mr. PALINGIn view of the continuous complaints and the number of hard cases arising under this head, is it not possible for the Minister to do something which will make it easier for appellants to present their claims?
§ Major TRYONWe are anxious to do justice in every way, but it is obvious that all applications cannot be granted, and it has been decided by the House that these questions should be settled by the tribunals and not by the Ministry.