HC Deb 15 February 1940 vol 357 cc960-1
81. Mr. T. Williams

asked the Minister of Pensions whether the Central Advisory Committee has completed its consideration of any of the matters referred to it regarding the Royal Warrant of September last; and whether he hopes to be in a position to make a statement, or bring forward an amended scheme, at an early date?

The Minister of Pensions (Sir Walter Womersley)

The provisions of the Royal Pensions Warrant are being considered and discussed very carefully and in detail by the committee in a series of weekly meetings now being held. I take the view, in which the members of my committee concur, that the ground should be fully explored before any amendments of the Warrant are made. The hon. Member may, however, be assured that the matter will be expedited as much as possible.

Mr. Williams

Has the hon. Gentleman any idea of when the committee will make a report on an amended scheme?

Sir W. Womersley

No, I could not give any idea just now. I want to go thoroughly into the Warrant.

82. Mr. T. Williams

asked the Minister of Pensions the number of applications for special financial assistance received by the War Service Grants Advisory Committee at the latest available date; the number of applications adjudicated upon by the committee; the number of special allowances now in issue; and their weekly cost?

Sir W. Womersley

Up to 7th February, 1940, the number of applications received was 62,892. Grants have been made in 28,014 cases at an average rate of about 8s. per week. Grants have been refused in 20,542 cases; about 1,000 applications have lapsed; and the balance of about 13,000 cases are in process of investigation. The weekly cost of grants now in payment somewhat exceeds £11,000.