94. Mr. T. THOMSONasked the Treasurer of the Household if he is aware that many ex-service men and their dependants feel that they are unable to adequately express themselves when appearing before the appeals tribunals; and will he make inquiries and, if these fears are well founded, will he take steps to remove the same?
§ Colonel GIBBS(Treasurer of the Household)Inquiries have failed to bring to light any serious complaint of the liability of ex-service men and their dependants adequately to express themselves when appearing before the tribunals. The rules provide that the tribunals shall assist any applicant who, through ignorance or otherwise, is unable to make the best of his case The tri 1999 bunals are further instructed to be careful to bring out every point in favour of an appellant which may have been overlooked by him or her, and the chairmen are instructed to grant adjournments if they think by so doing evidence may be obtained which will assist the appellant.
Mr. THOMSONIs the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that the result of his inquiries differs considerably from the findings of the Pension Committees, and will he have further inquiries made in view of what the Pension Committees themselves have reported on this particular question?
§ Colonel GIBBSCertainly, I will.
§ Sir H. BRITTAINIs it not wrong to "adequately express "oneself with a split infinitive?
§ Mr. STEPHENWill further inquiries be made as to whether the medical members of these tribunals refuse to assist appellants in their case when a medical point occurs?
§ Colonel GIBBSIwill convey that to my right hon. Friend.