§ 39. Mr. DAYasked 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. ALBERYasked 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-DOYLEasked 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. DAYIf 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. ROBERTSI am doing my best to expedite the matter, and I will endeavour to reply to my hon. Friend.
§ Mr. BUCHANANSeeing that in the reply to which the right hon. Gentleman has referred it was stated that the matter 1521 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. ROBERTSI am afraid I could not give an answer to the question in that form. There are many points under consideration.
§ Mr. ERNEST BROWNWill 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. ROBERTSYes, 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 COLVILLEIs it not the case that an undertaking was given during the election campaign by the Labour party to remove absolutely this seven years' limit?