HC Deb 29 October 1929 vol 231 cc6-8
13. Mr. DAY

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he is now in a position to make an announcement with reference to the Government's attitude regarding the abolition of the seven years' limit with reference to ex-service men; and whether it is proposed to obtain powers to remove other pension grievances, including the amendments to the final awards regulations in the case of war orphans?

MINISTER of PENSIONS (Mr. F. O Roberts)

I expect to be able very shortly to make a full statement on the point raised in the first part of the question. I am at the same time giving close attention to all difficulties that have been put before me in connection with the administration of War pensions and shall do what is possible from time to time to remedy them.

Mr. DAY

When does the right hon. Gentleman expect that that statement, which was promised some time ago, will be made?

Mr. ROBERTS

I am afraid it is not possible to give a specific date to-day, but I would refer my hon. Friend to the words I used—" very shortly."

Mr. MACLEAN

Is it the right hon. Gentleman's intention to introduce any Measure dealing with the general question of pensions to ex-service men and to their dependants?

Mr. ROBERTS

I would like to ask my hon. Friend to be good enough to await the statement.

Mr. ERNEST BROWN

Should hon. Members who receive cases from their constituents on which the seven years' limit bears continue to send them to the right hon. Gentleman for consideration before the final statement is made?

Mr. ROBERTS

Yes. In accordance with the answer I gave to the House in the early part of the Session, that procedure will still be followed.

Major COHEN

(at end of Questions): I had intended to ask the Minister of Pensions a question of which I have give him private notice in connection with the abolition of the seven years' limit with reference to ex-service men. The Minister of Pensions has already answered that question in his answer to the question put by the hon. Member for Central Southwark (Mr. Day), from which I gather that the seven years' limit is not yet abolished. Therefore, I refrain from putting my question.