HC Deb 14 March 1939 vol 345 cc219-21
73. Mr. Roland Robinson

asked the Minister of Pensions whether, in view of the recent elimination of certain area pension offices, he will consider reducing from eight hours to six hours the time away from home necessary to qualify for a subsistence allowance?

The Minister of Pensions (Mr. Ramsbotham)

I am satisfied that there is no ground for the suggested alteration in the conditions of subsistence allowance. The change referred to in regard to the area offices involved is, except in the case of London, no more than a change of name, and in no instance could cause any hardship to pensioners.

74. Mr. Robinson

asked the Minister of Pensions whether there is any branch of his Department responsible for the general supervision of the welfare of disabled ex-service men; and, if not, whether he will enter into consultation with the Ministries of Health and Labour for the establishment of such a branch?

Mr. Ramsbotham

The welfare of disabled ex-service men is at all times a concern of the Minister of Pensions who has, moreover, the ready support of the local War Pensions Committees and their thousands of voluntary workers. The measures which I have taken in recent years to promote their welfare are, I think, evidence of this. There is no

Mr. Hore-Belisha

I regret that separate figures for the county of Essex are not available. The county of Essex is included in the London and the East Anglian Recruiting Areas, and I will circulate figures relating to these: areas in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Following is the information:

branch of my Department specifically charged with the duty suggested, and I do not consider that any such branch would be practicable, or could be instituted without overlapping functions already otherwise discharged. I am, however, in constant touch with the Ministers of Health and of Labour on matters affecting the health and employment of ex-service men.

75. Miss Ward

asked the Minister of Pensions whether any men have failed to make application for age increases in service pensions permissible under the postwar regulations, where the men would benefit by drawing allowances under these regulations rather than the Ministry's regulations?

Mr. Ramsbotham

Such age increases as are payable in the class of case which the hon. Member has in mind are not authorised by Royal Warrant as a definite right but are paid under special authority in cases which are shown to fulfil the required conditions. In the absence of application my Department would not be justified in initiating inquiries to determine whether an increase could be claimed.

Miss Ward

Does my hon. Friend think that all men get their rights under this particular procedure?

Mr. Ramsbotham

I could hardly answer a question of that kind without an inquiry.

Miss Ward

Would it not be possible to find out whether any of them are entitled to these extra allowances?