58. Mr. Rostron Duckworthasked the Minister of Pensions how many pensions were commuted in part in the last five years; and whether the outcome of such commutations is, on results, regarded as satisfactory and meriting extension?
§ The Minister of Pensions (Mr. Ramsbotham)The number of cases in which part of a disablement pension was commuted in the past five years was about 700. From the experience of my Department and the inquiries which have been made from time to time I am satisfied that it would be unwise in the interests of pensioners to relax the statutory regulations by which commutation is at present governed.
§ 57. Mr. Logan (for Mr. Kirby)asked the Minister of Pensions the number of men in receipt of service pensions who died during the year 1936; what number left widows; and how many such widows qualified for widows' pensions from his Department?
§ Mr. RamsbothamI would refer to the reply I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Deritend (Mr. Smedley Crooke) on 25th February last of which I am sending the hon. Member a copy.