HC Deb 04 July 1932 vol 268 cc11-2
28. Mr. GROVES

asked the Minister of Pensions if he will inquire into and explain the delay in dealing with the appeal of Mrs. H. Johnson, 58, Ham Park Road, Stratford, reference No. O.A.F. 156,676; and whether he is aware that this case has been under consideration for six months?

The MINISTER of PENSIONS (Major Tryon)

I have inquired into the facts of this case and find that following rejection of her claim by the Ministry, Mrs. Johnson submitted her formal appeal and evidence at the beginning of April. On completion of the necessary procedure the case was referred to the Pensions Appeal Tribunal in May. I understand that the appeal will be heard on Thursday next and that a notification of the hearing has been sent to the appellant.

Mr. GROVES

While thanking the Minister, may I ask him if he is aware that the decision to appoint a date was subsequent to the question being put on the Order Paper?

Major TRYON

I have no information of that sort. The appointment of the date is a matter for the Appeal Tribunal and not for me. I do not think that they could have appointed such an early date.

29. Mr. McENTEE

asked the Minister of Pensions if his attention has been drawn to the work dune by the Ex-services Welfare Society for ex-service men suffering from neurasthenia at the village settlement in Leatherhead; and whether he will consider the possibility of making provision in the estimates of the Ministry of Pensions for a grant-in-aid?

Major TRYON

The activities of the Ex-services Welfare Society are well known to me. It is contrary to the practice of the Ministry to make grants to voluntary institutions and, in view of the fact that ample provision (amounting this year to £2,650,000) is already made by this House through the organisation of my Department for the treatment of ex-service men suffering from mental and nervous disease whose disability is the outcome of their Great War service, I am unable to entertain the suggestion.