§ 70. Mr. Stephenasked the Minister of Pensions when there is a dispute in the initial stage of a claim for compensation for war injuries or war service injuries between the civil defence organisation, the Assistance Board and the public assistance committee as to the responsibility for the case, what steps are taken to see that the applicant is not worried and sent from one to the other while the determination of responsibility is being considered?
§ The Minister of Pensions (Sir Walter Womersley)All applications for injury allowances in respect of war or war service injuries under the Personal Injuries (Civilians) Scheme, 1941, have to be made in the first instance to the Assistance Board, who act as my agents in the administration of these payments. In view of the considerable publicity given to this fact, I do not understand why doubts should arise as to the authority responsible for dealing with such applications. If, however, the hon. Member has any particular case in mind and will let me know of it, I shall be glad to inquire into it.
§ Mr. StephenIs the Minister not aware that the Assistance Board may decide that it is a case for the public assistance committee and the public assistance committee decide that it is a case for the Assistance Board, and that the person is kept running between the two?
§ Sir W. WomersleyPublic assistance committees have no power to deal with any cases concerned with war service and war injuries, and I am surprised to hear that any such cases have been referred to them
§ Mr. StephenIs the Minister not aware that the Assistance Board say, "It is not a case of war injury, and you will have to go to the public assistance committee," and that when the person goes to the public assistance committee they say, "It is a war injury" and send him back?
§ Sir W. WomersleyIt is the first I have heard of such cases, and if the hon. Member will let me have particulars, I will have inquiries made. It is not our intention that these people should be dealt with in that way.