§ 45. Mr. E. Smithasked the Prime Minister whether he has given further consideration to the requests made for a Select Committee to investigate the position of ex-service men and to the representations made to the Minister of Pensions by several deputations; has he yet received a report from the British Legion; and, if so, what action is it proposed to take in order to deal with the problem of ex-service men and widows who are suffering and in want through the effects of war service?
§ The Prime Minister (Mr. Chamberlain)I have now received reports from both the British Legion and the Scottish section of the Legion, the second of which only reached me on Saturday, 29th January. I am intimating to both parties that I am prepared to meet a joint deputation from them on any date which will be mutually convenient. Until the proposals of the Legion, which are very far-reaching, have been fully considered by the Government, I am not in a position to say what further action may be found desirable.
§ Mr. SmithWill the Prime Minister also be prepared to receive with that deputation, a representative deputation from this House? In view of the fact that the Prime Minister is receiving deputations from well-organised vested interests in this country dealing with the Coal Bill, surely it is not asking too much that a representative deputation from this House should also be received for the purpose of laying before him the grievances of the ex-service men?
§ The Prime MinisterI did not say that I would not receive such a deputation. I have not been asked to receive one.
§ Mr. SmithWill the Prime Minister bear in mind that I am now making the request, and will he be good enough to consider the request now made?