HC Deb 13 February 1939 vol 343 cc1353-4
32. Mr. Gallacher

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he will consider the compilation of a register showing every war-disabled pensioner who is not in employment, followed by an examination of the health and employment records of all those unemployed for a period of 12 months or longer; and whether, in all cases where the war disablement and resultant circumstances are the major factors contributing to a state of permanent incapacity, provision shall be made for that condition direct from State funds of such sums as will, when added to the pension, ensure adequate maintenance for the disabled man?

The Minister of Pensions (Mr. Ramsbotham)

I have no machinery available to institute or maintain so extensive an inquiry as that suggested. With regard to the last part of the question, the Royal Pensions Warrants already provide full compensation for permanent incapacity resulting directly from disability caused by war service and, having regard to the other social services in which disabled men share on specially advantageous terms, I do not think that there are adequate reasons for altering the basis of compensation in the manner suggested.

Mr. Gallacher

Is the Minister not aware that there are in this country thousands of men who gave service during the War who are now suffering from extreme poverty and neglect; and, if he is aware of that, is he not prepared to bring into existence machinery to inquire into how that neglect and poverty can be overcome?

Mr. Ramsbotham

I have given the problem of unemployment among disabled pensioners much consideration, and although I have no power to provide work for them direct yet, thanks to the right hon. Gentleman the Minister of Labour, the King's Roll Committee, the British Legion and local authorities, I have met with considerable success in finding them employment. At the last count, in October, the percentage of unemployment among disabled pensioners was 7.8 per cent., compared with 14 per cent. in the case of all insured persons.

Mr. Gallacher

But is the Minister not aware that unemployment is rapidly increasing and that among ex-service men the increase is exceptionally great? Will he deny that this problem is there, and, if not, will he not take steps to set up machinery such as I have asked for?

Mr. Ramsbotham

I am aware of the problem and am doing my very best to deal with it.