§ 50. Mr. HORE-BELISHAasked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware that, contrary to a statement made by the Ministry in reply to a resolution sent by the Plymouth branch of the British Legion, that no change in the local pensions arrangements of the Ministry would be made unless the war pensions committees had first been consulted in the matter, alterations are already in being which have not been submitted to the local war pensions committee, and that the deputy commissioner of medical services is to be re- 865 moved to Exeter on the 1st April; and what action he proposes to take in the matter?
§ The MINISTER of PENSIONS (Major Tryon)The resolution and the correspondence to which the hon. Member refers had reference to the retention of the Plymouth area which is not at present in question. It has never been my practice to consult war pensions committees as to the stations of the deputy commissioners of medical services responsible for the medical branches of the local administration of the Ministry. With the gradual fall in the volume of work, revision of the administrative medical areas is frequently necessary, and these officers are stationed at the places which from time to time may be most conveniently situated for the effective performance of their duties. The revision of the administrative medical arrangements which is being made will not affect the facilities at Plymouth now afforded to pensioners to make application or to attend for medical examination.