HC Deb 03 December 1942 vol 385 cc1280-1
22. Mr. Parker

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware of the feeling in both Barking and East Ham in favour of separate war pensions commit tees in place of a joint one; and whether he will receive a deputation to discuss the question?

Sir W. Womersley

I have given careful consideration to representations made to me by the Corporation of Barking but I do not feel that there is any necessity, at present to set up separate committees in place of the joint committee. I have had no representations from East Ham. In the circumstances, I do not think a deputation at this stage could be helpful,

Mr. Parker

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think that local committees to which people can easily have access so that personal points can be gone into are better than committees covering large areas?

Sir W. Womersley

If the hon. Member will see me after Questions I think we can settle this matter between us.

23. Mr. Parker

asked the Minister of: Pensions whether he is aware that the borough of Dagenham has no representa- tive on the Ilford and Romford War Pensions Committee which covers its area and that he now proposes to give it only one representative despite the fact that its population is over 100,000; and whether he will give it a separate committee?

Sir W. Womersley

There are at present two members of the Ilford and Romford War Pensions Committee residing in Dagenham, one representing disabled men, the other voluntary associations, and I have recently asked the Dagenham Borough Council to nominate a representative of that body for appointment to the committee. I am satisfied that the work arising for the war pensions committee from the Dagenham area does not, at the present time, justify setting up a separate committee.