§ 1. Mr. WARDLAW-MILNEasked the Minister of Pensions how many pension claims have been disallowed as a result of the seven-years time limit introduced into the Royal Warrant of 1921; and if he has any estimate of the number of such claims which, but for the limit, would have been admitted to pension?
§ The MINISTER of PENSIONS (Major Tryon)The records of the Ministry do not enable the information asked for by my hon. Friend to be given, but I am satisfied that the arrangements I have on former occasions indicated to the House are meeting the cases of genuine merit which may exceptionally arise.
§ Mr. WARDLAW-MILNEIs there no record at the Ministry at all?
§ Major TRYONNo; we do not keep a record of the number of applications, outside our legal duties, which may come into our offices. Some of them refer to all sorts of matters.
§ Mr. STEPHENCould the Minister give us a little more definite information as to the grounds on which he is satisfied that the arrangement is working satisfactorily?
§ Major TRYONAs I said a week ago in this House, I have made inquiries in almost every part of the country, and the impression that I get is as I have stated.
§ Mr. LOOKERMay I ask what is the exact position of those whose claims are barred by the seven-years limit? Are they excluded from any further consideration by the Ministry, or are they entitled to come up for treatment, or appeal, or special grant or what exactly is the position?
§ Major TRYONAs I have stated, they can apply to the proper office of the Ministry and submit evidence in support of their claim.
§ Mr. KIRKWOODIs it not the case that time and again we have drawn the attention of the Ministry to cases of extreme hardship in the operation of these regulations?
§ Major TRYONNo, Sir; the number of cases in connection with the seven-years limit which have been sent forward by Members of this House is remarkably small.