HC Deb 12 October 1939 vol 352 cc513-4
45. Mr. Ellis Smith

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware of the dissatisfaction aroused by the terms of the Royal Warrant, Cmd. 6105, for the retired pay and pensions of disabled members of the military forces and to the widows, children and dependants of such members deceased in consequence of the present war and of the Royal Air Force order for similar purposes; and whether he will arrange for this House to give consideration to this matter?

The Prime Minister (Mr. Chamberlain)

I am satisfied that the provision made in the new Royal Warrant for pensions in respect of disablement and death among soldiers and in the corresponding instruments for other classes which include the Mercantile Marine, Fishing Fleet and Civil Defence Volunteers and other civilians covered by the Personal Injuries (Civilians) Scheme is fair, having regard to the present cost of living. The purchasing power of the rates provided will be rather higher in the great majority of cases than that provided by the Royal Warrant of 1919, at the time when it was introduced. Of course, if the cost of living should rise to a material extent during the war, the position could be reconsidered. At the same time the new code is not regarded as necessarily final in all its details, and if the Government find that certain provisions operate unreasonably in any minor respect, they will not hesitate to make any alterations which may prove to be justified. In particular, I have been impressed by the representations made with regard to the number of children for whom the disablement pensioner receives allowances, and the Minister of Pensions will give early consideration to this provision. With regard to the last part of the question, the question of war pensions will be debated next week.

Mr. Smith

In view of that statement by the Prime Minister, and in view of the fact that he has informed the House that there will be a Debate next Tuesday, I do not intend to pursue this matter at the moment.

Mr. Dinģe Foot

Does the right hon. Gentleman appreciate that many of these grievances are directed not only to the scale, but to the machinery, that under the provisions of this Royal Warrant it will be exceedingly difficult where there is the slightest doubt for the claimant to establish his claim, and that there is no provision for appeal under this Royal Warrant? Has the Prime Minister considered those objections to the warrant as it now stands?

The Prime Minister

Those are matters which can be discussed during the Debate.