HC Deb 23 March 1936 vol 310 cc859-61
19. Mr. SILVERMAN

asked the Minister of Pensions how many patients remain upon the lists of the Ministry of Pensions hospitals in connection with infirmities of whatever nature acquired during the years 1914–18?

The MINISTER of PENSIONS (Mr. R. S. Hudson)

The number of ex-service men who have had in-patient treatment, excluding treatment in public mental hospitals, during the 12 months to date is approximately 9,000. The hon. Member will appreciate that many cases are under treatment for short periods only and the number of in-patients on any one day is about 2,400.

Mr. SILVERMAN

Could the Minister tell the House what are the numbers of patients who, while not being in-patients now, remain upon the hospital lists with the right to re-enter the hospitals at any time they may need treatment? My question did not refer to the number of inmates.

Mr. HUDSON

Perhaps the hon. Member will have a word with me afterwards, and let me know exactly what it is he wants.

20. Mr. STEPHEN

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he will reconsider the decision not to introduce legislation to abolish the seven years' limit, in view of the fact that the present system of dealing with cases of hardships makes no provision for payment of arrears of pensions in cases where the Ministry of Pensions, with the consent of the Treasury, has agreed that pension grants should be made?

Mr. HUDSON

No, Sir, legislation is unnecessary for the object in view. An award of pension in cases of late claim for disablement is ordinarily made as from the date on which the claim is established and arrears are paid accordingly.

Mr. STEPHEN

Is the Minister not aware that there have been many injustices and that when pensions are being granted, nothing is being paid for the back period?

Mr. HUDSON

The practice has always been to pay the claim as from the date on which it is established.

Mr. STEPHEN

Is the Minister sure of that? Is it not the ease that arrears have been paid in very many cases?

Mr. HUDSON

If the hon. Member has any particular case in view, perhaps he will let me have particulars, and I shall be glad to go into it.

21. Mr. STEPHEN

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he will consider introducing legislation to confer power upon local authorities to set up pension committees consisting of members of the authority, to which committee ex-service men and other dependants may appeal for reconsideration of their claim to pension and to grant or increase pensions, in all cases where they consider it desirable, to avoid injustice to present sufferers from the great War?

Mr. HUDSON

No, Sir. Under existing legislation any person deeming himself aggrieved by a decision of the Ministry can always make a complaint to his local War Pensions Committee, which includes representatives of local authorities. I have every reason to believe that this system is working satisfactorily.

Mr. STEPHEN

Is the Minister not considering the setting up of such committees as courts of appeal?

Mr. HUDSON

I have just informed the hon. Gentleman that the present system. is working satisfactorily.