§ 68. Mr. Dingle Footasked the Minister of Pensions whether he has now reconsidered the arrangement whereby auxiliary firemen injured in the course of their duties are expected to apply to the Unemployment Assistance Board for relief pending the determination of their claims by the Ministry of Pensions; and whether it is proposed to make any alteration in this system?
§ The Minister of Pensions (Sir Walter Womersley)The hon. Member is under a misapprehension. The Unemployment Assistance Board does not in these cases provide relief in the usual sense, but acts as my agent for the purpose of administering Part II of the Personal Injuries (Civilians) Scheme, 1939. Injury allowances under this part of the scheme are provided by the Unemployment Assistance Board in respect of war service injuries at the flat-rate scales laid down in the scheme, without regard to means or need.
§ Mr. FootIs it not a fact that in some cases questions have been put to applicants for firemen's posts similar to those put to applicants for unemployment assistance?
§ Sir W. WomersleySuch statements have been made in this House, and I have asked hon. Members who have made them to forward to me any specific case, but none up to now have reached me. In any case, if the hon. Member will let me have it, I will inquire into it.
§ Mr. ViantHas the hon. Gentleman overlooked the case that I sent to him and that I mentioned in the Debate here?
§ Sir W. WomersleyNo, I have not overlooked that case.