49. Brigadier-General WRIGHTasked the Prime Minister whether he is aware of the views held by certain local authorities that the payment of relief to ex-service men disabled in the late war should, in the interest of the men them- 607 selves as well as in that of the ratepayers, be made a national charge; and whether he will institute an official inquiry to see how this step can be best effected?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of HEALTH (Miss Lawrence)I have been asked to reply. The reply to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. I understand from my right hon. Friend that provision is made by the Minister of Pensions for the grant subject to the Royal Warrants and War Pensions Acts of compensation and of medical treatment for disablement caused by war service, and that, having regard to the other demands upon national funds, an extension of the national liability in the manner suggested cannot at present be contemplated.