§ 12. Mr. SMEDLEY CROOKEasked the Minister of Pensions the number of those employed in the Special Grants Committee Department; and what proportion of these are ex-service men?
§ The MINISTER of PENSIONS (Major Tryon)There are 30 men and seven women on the staff allocated to the Special Grants Committee. The seven women are employed on duties connected with widows and children which are particularly appropriate to them. Of the 30 men, 25 are ex-service.
§ Mr. CROOKEIs it a fact that certain head officers in this Department are not ex-service men; and, further, does not my right hon. and gallant Friend agree 1089 that these positions should be held by ex-service men, who would be more sympathetic in dealing with the unfortunate claimants?
§ Major TRYONNo, I am not prepared to admit that an ex-service man would be more sympathetic than the rest of the community, who owe so much to the ex-service men.