HC Deb 23 April 1941 vol 371 cc162-4
30. Mr. Ellis Smith

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he will consider the need and advisability of setting up appeal tribunals to whom persons could appeal who are not satisfied with the. decisions of his Ministry?

The Minister of Pensions (Sir Walter Womersley)

As I have explained to the House on more than one occasion, a general system of appeals to independent pensions appeal tribunals would be impracticable under the conditions of this war. The independent pensions appeal tribunals in connection with the last war were not set up until after hostilities had ceased, and the question will again be considered after this war. Meantime, however, I have taken power in the Royal Warrant to refer cases of serious medical doubt or difficulty to an independent medical expert.

Mr. Silverman

If it is the practice to refer cases of doubt and difficulty to an independent medical expert, why is it impracticable to allow appeals to be heard by that expert?

Sir W. Womersley

It is the practice to place the evidence of both parties before that expert. I believe my hon. Friend was present during the Debate on this matter yesterday. I shall refer him to the Official Report for full details of the position.

Mr. R. Gibson

Is the expert chosen by the Minister alone, or in consultation with the applicant?

Sir W. Womersley

The expert is not chosen by the Minister. He is chosen by the President of the Royal College of Physicians or, for surgical matters, by the President of the Royal College of Surgeons. I have nothing to do with the appointments.

31. Mr. Banfield

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware of the plight of war widows of the 1914-18 war due to the fact that their pensions have not been increased to meet the increase in the cost of living; and will he give the matter sympathetic consideration?

Sir W. Womersley

The conditions under which these pensions may be raised are laid down in the Royal Warrant of 6th December, 1919.The hon. Member may be assured that steps will be taken to increase the rates when the cost-of-living figure justifies it.

38. Mr. E. Smith

asked the Prime Minister whether he will move for the appointment of a Select Committee to investigate the regulations and interpretations and administration of the Ministry of Pensions and the Royal Warrant, with power to send for persons, papers and records and with an instruction to report as expeditiously as possible?

The Lord Privy Seal (Mr. Attlee)

I am not aware of any developments since last September of sufficient importance to justify a departure from the view which I expressed on the 18th of that month to the effect that there were no grounds for appointing a Select Committee for this purpose. The Minister of Pensions has, however, informed the House that he intends to call together his statutory Advisory Committee at an early date for the consideration of certain minor matters on which he wishes to consult them. As has already been announced in the Press, the administration of the Department is already being examined in detail by a Committee under the chairmanship of the hon. Member for South-West St. Pancras (Sir G. Mitcheson).

Mr. Smith

The present position is so unsatisfactory that I consider it my duty to give notice that at the earliest possible opportunity, and to the mutual convenience of all concerned, I will raise the matter on the Adjournment.