§ 6. Mr. HARDIEasked the Minister of Pensions whether he has received any applications from ex-service organisations on the question of the seven years' limit; and whether any proposals are to be announced shortly?
§ Major TRYONI have seen a Memorandum from Glasgow, which was not, however, addressed to me. Among other things it contains a misstatement of the position and practice of the Ministry in this matter. With regard to the latter part of the question, I have nothing to add to the statements I have already on more than one occasion made to the House regarding the arrangements which I have been empowered to make to consider exceptional cases arising beyond the time limit referred to.
§ Mr. HARDIEIf I present the right hon. Gentleman with cases will he then give me a reply?
§ Major TRYONI shall be glad to consider any cases the hon. Member sends me. He has only sent four such cases in the last five years, and the first of those cases was rejected under the seven years' limit by the Labour Government.
§ Mr. OLIVERHas the right hon. Gentleman had any request made to his Department, arising out of the seven years' arrangement for pensioners in whose case a new form of ailment supervenes, like neurasthenia, in consequence of the treatment that has been received and the number of operations they have undergone and who have been excluded from consideration on the ground of a seven years' limit?
§ Major TRYONAny cases of that sort would be considered in the light of the evidence.
§ Mr. SMEDLEY CROOKEIs the right hon. Gentleman prepared to alter the limit of seven years now, in view of the fact that the death of the late Earl Haig was certified as having been caused through service in the War?
§ Major TRYONI am not prepared to reverse a decision which has been maintained 1196 by successive Governments and embodies the unanimous decision of the House of Commons, but I am prepared, as my hon. Friend knows well, to consider exceptional cases beyond the limit.
§ Mr. OLIVERDoes the original reply mean that the right hon: Gentleman does not contemplate any change in practice in regard to the seven years' limit?
§ Major TRYONI am certainly not prepared to recommend a repeal of the law, but I am prepared to consider exceptional cases, and as far as my experience goes, exceptional cases are being dealt with satisfactorily.
§ Major OWENIs it not the fact that when applications are made to any area office after the seven years' limit they are always turned down?
§ Major TRYONThe hon. and gallant Gentleman is entirely misinformed. I wonder that he is not aware that I have already informed the House that a considerable number of these cases have gone through, and arrangements are in force under which any evidence in support of cases outside the seven years' limit can be considered.
§ Major OWENHave those cases to be submitted to the Minister, or are they considered at the area office?
§ Major TRYONThey are, of course, dealt with in the first instance at the area office.