§ 62. Lieut.-Colonel ACLAND-TROYTEasked the Secretary of State for War whether he will set up appeal tribunals, on the same lines as those under the Minister of Pensions, to consider the 219 claims of men who are discharged on account of disability or who claim that they are entitled to a disability pension?
§ Mr. SHINWELLThis question has already received careful consideration on various occasions. The constitution of the Board of Chelsea Commissioners ensures that the soldiers' interests are fully watched and I am not satisfied that a case has been made out for the setting up of a tribunal such as the hon. and gallant Member suggests.
§ Lieut.-Colonel ACLAND-TROYTEDoes the hon. Gentleman not think that it would be much more satisfactory if these men had the right of an appeal to an independent tribunal, and will he state the reason for denying that to them?
§ Mr. SHINWELLThe hon. and gallant Gentleman must be aware that the Chelsea Commissioners are themselves an independent board.
§ Mr. HORE-BELISHAIs the hon. Gentleman aware that the greatest sense of injustice prevails owing to the fact that the claimant cannot himself be heard or be represented as he can at the Ministry of Pensions Appeal Tribunals, and is he prepared to abide by the decision of his predecessors on this and on other matters?
§ Mr. SHINWELLThis is entirely different from the ordinary administration of pensions appeals, but if the hon. Member has any specific case I shall be glad to consider it.