HC Deb 11 November 1929 vol 231 cc1520-1
39. Mr. DAY

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he is now in a position to make a statement with reference to the Government's attitude with regard to the abolition of the seven years' limit with reference to ex-service men?

40. Mr. ALBERY

asked the Minister of Pensions what steps he is taking to remove the injustice to ex-service men which arises in many cases through the seven years' limit?

41. Sir NICHOLAS GRATTAN-DOYLE

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware that considerable uncertainty has arisen respecting his pronouncement as to the seven years' limit; and whether he can now state when he proposes to implement his plans?

The MINISTER of PENSIONS (Mr. F. O. Roberts)

I regret that I am not at the moment in a position to add any thing to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member for Central Southwark (Mr. Day) on 29th October, of which I am sending a copy to each of the hon. Members.

Mr. DAY

If I put down another question for next Monday, does the right hon. Gentleman think he will then be in a position to give a reply?

Mr. ROBERTS

I am doing my best to expedite the matter, and I will endeavour to reply to my hon. Friend.

Mr. BUCHANAN

Seeing that in the reply to which the right hon. Gentleman has referred it was stated that the matter was under consideration—[HON. MEMBERS: "Active consideration!"]—will he state what is the point under consideration, whether it is the date on which the Bill will be introduced, or whether a Bill is to be introduced or not?

Mr. ROBERTS

I am afraid I could not give an answer to the question in that form. There are many points under consideration.

Mr. ERNEST BROWN

Will the right hon. Gentleman say whether the difficulties are administrative or legal or both? Does he not know that there is a great deal of feeling on this matter?

Mr. ROBERTS

Yes, I do know there is feeling about the matter and that is why I gave the answer I did, that I am endeavouring to the best of my ability to expedite the matter, and I will continue to do so.

Major COLVILLE

Is it not the case that an undertaking was given during the election campaign by the Labour party to remove absolutely this seven years' limit?