NAVAL AND MILITARY PENSIONS AND GRANTS. (Hansard, 11 November 1937)

§ 45. Mr. Kirby
asked the Prime Minister whether he will allow time for the discussion of the Motion appearing on the Order Paper relating to the appointment of a Select Committee to inquire into the administration of ex-service and disablement pensions?

§ The Prime Minister (Mr. Chamberlain)
In the present state of public business, I regret that I am unable to provide a special opportunity for the discussion of this Motion. I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given to the hon. Member for Stoke (Mr. E. Smith) on 1st November.

§ Mr. Kirby
is the Prime Minister aware that there are an increasing number of Members of the House and of the public outside who are growing steadily more anxious in regard to the position of disabled pensioners because of the increase in the cost of living and because, with the passage of years, they are unable to find employment? Furthermore, is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there are an ever increasing number of Members and of the public who are concerned about the large number of ex-service men who have applied for pensions and have been turned down and who, in the passage of years, find themselves in worse health and conditions?

§ Mr. Lansbury
May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether, through the usual channels, an arrangement could be made whereby a Supply day could be sacrificed in the ordinary way so that the rest of the day could be devoted to the discussion of this Motion, because there are, as everybody knows, a considerable number 1830 of men whose cases ought to be dealt with? That has been done before through the usual channels, and if the right hon. Gentleman agrees it could be done again.

§ The Prime Minister
I do not think that this is a case for an arrangement through the usual channels because it is open to the Leader of the Opposition to put down any subject he likes for discussion on Supply. Of course, there are other opportunities for discussion if hon. Gentlemen desire them.

§ Mr. Attlee
If the Government cannot at this time give time for this discussion, will they not themselves appoint a Select Committee to inquire into those numerous questions which are coming to Members in all parts of the House as to the disabilities suffered for a long period since the War by ex-service men who are not covered to-day by the Royal Warrant?

§ The Prime Minister
I do not think that the time has come at present for the appointment of a Select Committee. I understand that there is an investigation proceeding by the British Legion, and it might be well to wait and see what they have to report.

§ Mr. Lansbury
Has not the right hon. Gentleman rather misunderstood me? Perhaps I am wrong, but I am not aware that on a Supply day a Motion of this kind could be moved. We want the Motion discussed so that the Government may understand the amount of opinion there is in the House on all sides that this committee should be appointed.

§ The Prime Minister
The Motion cannot be discussed, but the subject can be discussed on the salary of the Minister of Pensions.

§ Mr. E. Smith
Will the Prime Minister be good enough to agree to receive a deputation consisting of representatives of all parties in the House so that they can lay the facts before him?

Mr. De la Bère
Does it matter how it is done as long as it is done?

§ Mr. Lawson
Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the inquiry by the British Legion would in no way affect the limits of the public indignation about the pensions question, and that it would not be fair to the unemployed or to the real opinion of this country to wait upon that inquiry?

§ The Prime Minister
Before indignation is created in the public mind, it would be as well to have the facts, and the British Legion are in a particularly favourable position to get them.