§ 31. Mr. SMEDLEY CROOKEasked the Minister of Pensions whether he will state the total number of pension claims that have been admitted outside the seven years' time-limit?
§ The MINISTER of PENSIONS (Major Tryon)The late applications which have at any time in past years been recognised numbered up to the end of March last 2,745, while a further 721 cases were found to require no more than medical or surgical treatment.
§ 32. Mr. CROOKEasked the Minister of Pensions the number of surgical boots issued to pensioners for the six months ended 30th September, 1932, and for the six months ended 31st March, 1933; and what saving has accrued to his Department by the number of pensioners' own boots that have been fitted with suitable adaptations where previously surgical boots had been supplied at the expense of the Ministry?
§ Major TRYONDuring the six months ended 30th September last 6,294 surgical boots were issued to pensioners. During the succeeding six months to the 31st March of this year 6,325, a larger number, were issued. The records of the Department do not enable me to give the information asked for in the last part of the question.
§ Mr. CROOKEWill my right hon. and gallant Friend consider the advisability of reverting to the old custom of giving surgical boots instead of adapting these ordinary ready-made hoots?
§ Major TRYONI am very glad that the hon. Member has given me an opportunity publicly to contradict a misapprehension under which he is suffering. More surgical boots have been supplied than before, and the rule has never been altered.