§ 31. Sir M. WOODasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that the governing body of the Royal Seamen's Pension Fund have in many instances refused to entertain from seamen new or 1217 amended applications for pensions; and if lie will state why the governing body has refused permission to amend such applications?
§ The MINISTER of HEALTH (Sir Hilton Young)I have communicated with the Governing Body of the Royal Seamen's Pensions Fund on this matter and will write to the hon. Member as soon as I have their reply.
§ Sir M. WOODCan the right hon. Gentleman give us an undertaking that no seaman will be informed that his application has been finally determined without an explicit reason being given for the final determination?
§ Sir H. YOUNGThat seems to me to be somewhat beyond my function. If the hon. Member will wait until I have communicated the reply, perhaps it will be more of an advantage.