HC Deb 15 March 1938 vol 333 cc203-4
40. Mr. Rostron Duckworth

asked the Minister of Pensions how many cases of blindness as a result of the war have been notified to his Department in the last five years; and how many of them have been accepted for pension purposes?

Mr. Ramsbotham

I regret that the records of my Department do not enable me to give the number of cases of blindness notified in the last five years. The cases of impaired vision, including those of total blindness, which have been accepted for pension purposes in the same period have numbered 48.

41. Mr. Sorensen

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he will consult with the Secretary of State for War, the First Lord of the Admiralty, and the Secretary of State for Air with a view to publishing an approximate scale of pensions to be paid to service survivors, widows, dependants, and children in the eventuality of war?

The Financial Secretary to the Treasury (Lieut.-Colonel Colville)

I have been asked to reply. The matters to which the hon. Member refers are kept under review as circumstances require; but any decision or announcement with regard to them must be left to the Government in office at the time.

Mr. Sorensen

Does not the right hon. and gallant Gentleman agree that it would be of some recruiting advantage if those in the Services knew what their dependants would receive?

Lieut.-Colonel Colville

I do not think that this step would be practicable or desirable.