HC Deb 25 March 1926 vol 193 cc1349-50
4. Mr. JAMES STUART

asked the Minister of Pensions whether appeals against reduction of pre-War dependence pensions in Scottish cases are settled at. Edinburgh, or whether they are settled in London?

Major TRYON

When certain pre-War dependence pensions were in process of review my predecessor specially arranged that any representations by pensioners in Scotland (as in other regions) dissatisfied with the reassessment of their pensions should he considered not in Edinburgh, but in London at the head quarters of the Ministry. As awards of this class of pension ceased as from lot April, 1922, and the review of existing pensions was completed in the first six months of 1924, the question raised by my hon. Friend does not now arise.

Mr. ALBERY

Will the right hon. Gentleman say why this is?

Major TRYON

Of course, I am not fully aware as to the motives of my predecessor in the late Labour Government in making this change, but it was, at all events, in complete accord with his declared policy, which he stated in a letter, dated 25th July, 1924, as follows: it is the definite policy of the Ministry, in which I entirely agree, that all regional headquarters should in course of time ho absorbed in the central office in London. That is entirely consistent with the action taken by the late Government.