HC Deb 08 January 1942 vol 377 cc12-4
19. Mr. Henderson Stewart

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he has reconsidered the claim of the British Legion, Scotland, for the setting up of appeal tribunals similar to those established after the last war?

The Minister of Pensions (Sir Walter Womersley)

As I have previously stated, appeal tribunals will be set up as soon as possible, but the practical difficulties which prevent immediate steps being taken have in no way lessened since my previous reply to my hon. Friend on 31st July.

Mr. Stewart

May I take it that my right hon. Friend is in touch with the representatives of the British Legion and is carefully considering their representations?

Sir W. Womersley

I am dealing with this matter at the next meeting of my Advisory Committee.

20. Mr. Mander

asked the Minister of Pensions whether his attention has been called to the statement in a recent issue of "The Midnight Watch," the wall sheet of Britain's fire-guard and Civil Defence workers, issued by the Ministry of Home Security, to the effect that women do the same patrols as men, lose the same amount of sleep, etc., and only receive four-fifths of a man's compensation when hurt; and whether he will rectify this position by giving equal compensation to both sexes?

Sir W. Womersley

I have already made full statements to the House on the subject of the difference in the rates of compensation for men and women under the Personal Injuries (Civilians) Scheme. For the reasons which I have already given His Majesty's Government do not propose to amend the Scheme in this respect.

Mr. Mander

Is not my right hon. Friend aware that this policy is advocated in the journal issued by the Minister of Home Security, and will he not give more attention and sympathetic consideration to a policy put out by one of his colleagues in the Government?

Sir W. Womersley

I have had the pleasure of reading the document which my hon. Friend has just flourished, and all I can say is that my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary is indeed a democrat in allowing some person to write an article in his special paper.

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