§ 6. Mr. STEPHENasked the Minister of Pensions in how many cases pensions were granted to ex-service men or their dependants whose claims were outside the seven years' limit last year under his arrangement for consideration of such cases in exceptional circumstances; how many were considered in all; and if he contemplates making any extension of his arrangements for such cases?
§ Major TRYONThe number of cases of the kind referred to in the first part of the question during the year ending in September last was about 90. The information asked for in the second part of the question is not available for the reasons which I gave to the hon. Member in my reply to him of 12th July last. The answer to the last part of the question is in the negative. Experience has shown that existing arrangements are adequate.
§ Mr. STEPHENIs the Minister not aware that there is great dissatisfaction because so many cases have not been considered, and that the British Legion and other associations have been continually protesting?
§ Major TRYONPersonal inquiries which I have made throughout the country show that, as was anticipated, the exceptional cases which arise are very few and these are being dealt with.
§ Mr. BARKERDo not the Minister's answers to Questions 5 and 6 prove conclusively that the seven years' limit ought to be taken out of the Act altogether?
§ Major TRYONNo, Sir.
§ 8. Mr. THURTLEasked the Minister of Pensions if he has received representations from the British Legion in Scotland and other bodies regarding the hardship 191 involved to individuals by the seven years' limit: and if he is prepared to consider the abolition of this limit?
§ Major TRYONI have, in common, I believe, with other Members of the House, received a copy of a resolution in general terms on the subject referred to. The arrangements which the Government have enabled me to make (and which are not indicated in the resolution) adequately meet the very few and exceptional cases of hardship consequent on serious incapacity caused by war service which now manifest themselves for the first time at this date, 10 years after the conclusion of hostilities. I am not, therefore, prepared to take the course suggested in the last part of the question.
§ Mr. PETHICK-LAWRENCEIf the Minister is not prepared to take the full course suggested, would he not consider widening the existing opportunities, as many people consider there are cases of hardship at present?
§ Major TRYONI have been taking steps which I think are working satisfactorily, to deal with the limited number of cases where sound claims have been made.
§ Mr. HAYESDoes the Minister realise that a very large number of men in the country are refraining from submitting claims because they realise that it would be hopeless to do so while the seven year limit exists?
§ Major TRYONNo, Sir, I am not prepared to accept that statement, in view of the public statement which I made on the subject.
§ Major TRYONI have already explained the reasons which influenced the late Government and the present Government in retaining the seven years' limit.
§ Mr. STEPHENWhen medical evidence is submitted on a case outside the seven years' limit, does a medical officer representing the Ministry see the man and consider his case medically?
§ Major TRYONI cannot give a general ruling on every case. A man making an application and submitting evidence will have it considered.