§ 20. Mr. STEPHENasked the Minister of Pensions if he will consider introducing legislation based on the fit-for-service fit-for-pension Bill, formerly introduced by himself, in view of the large number of ex-service men whose health was impaired by their service but who have so far been unable to obtain a pension?
Mr. ROBERTSI am not proposing to introduce legislation on the lines suggested by my hon. Friend. I have every reason to believe that the fresh claims made even at this late date by men whose health is found to be impaired by their war service are being fairly met by the arrangement which I was able to make in 1929.
§ Mr. STEPHENIf the right hon. Gentleman is not going to introduce legislation like that, can he says how I shall be able to get some measure of justice in the cases that I have brought to his notice?
Mr. ROBERTSI can only assure my hon. Friend that all the cases he submits will have the fairest and fullest consideration that I can give to them.
§ Mr. STEPHENDoes the right hon. Gentleman not admit that, with the legislation that is already on the Statute Book, there is no opportunity for dealing with many of these cases?
Mr. ROBERTSNo. I do not think that legislation would improve the position. We have endeavoured to amend the regulations so that the widest consideration can be given.
§ Sir K. WOODDid the right hon. Gentleman not make a very different statement before the last Election?