§ 38. Sir ROBERT HAMILTONasked the Minister of Health the number of years that a crofter-fisherman would require to serve before he could reasonably expect to be granted a pension under the scheme of pensions now being administered by the governing body of the Royal Seamen's Pension Fund?
Captain HUDSONThe conditions governing the award of pensions out of the Royal Seamen's Pension Fund are 1779 contained in the scheme for the administration of the benefits out of that fund, a copy of which has been placed in the Library in accordance with the hon. Member's request. There is no reason to think that the governing body of the fund, who are responsible for its administration, have departed from the terms of the scheme. If, however, the hon. Member is aware of any case in which he considers that the terms of the scheme have not been observed, and will furnish my right hon. Friend with particulars, he will see that inquiry is made into the matter.
§ 39. Sir R. HAMILTONasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that when a pension is refused by the governing body of the Royal Seamen's Pension Fund the applicant is not in formed of the reason for such refusal; and whether steps can be taken to ensure that such reasons are given in all cases?
Captain HUDSONMy right hon. Friend is informed by the governing body of the Royal Seamen's Pension Fund that it is their normal practice to inform an applicant of the reason for the failure of his application for a pension.
§ Sir R. HAMILTONIf I have cases in which no reason is given for refusing an application, may I draw them to the attention of the Minister?
§ 40. Sir R. HAMILTONasked the Minister of Health whether it is open to an applicant who has been refused a pension by the governing body of the Royal Seamen's Pension Fund, on the ground of an insufficient number of pensions being available, to renew his application on a subsequent occasion?
§ 42. Sir MURDOCH McKENZIE WOODasked the Minister of Health whether applications for pensions from the Royal Seamen's Pension Fund are entertained from applicants who have been unsuccessful with previous applications; and, if so, whether he can state for the guidance of seamen the conditions under which such subsequent applications are permitted?
Captain HUDSONMy right hon. Friend is informed by the governing body 1780 of the Royal Seamen's Pension Fund that it is their normal practice to advise unsuccessful applicants for pension of their right to submit a subsequent application if there is any probability of such an application being successful.