§ 17. Captain Gammansasked the Minister of Pensions what has been the approximate saving to the Exchequer, to date, by the payment of lower rates of compensation for war injuries to adult women as compared with men?
§ The Minister of Pensions (Sir Walter Womersley)The records kept by my Department do not enable me to furnish the information desired by my hon. and gallant Friend, and I should not feel justified in undertaking the considerable research necessary to give even an approximate estimate.
§ 20. Sir Smedley Crookeasked the Minister of Pensions whether he can now state his intentions as to setting up independent pension appeal tribunals on a statutory basis?
§ Sir W. WomersleyI have previously expressed my sympathy with the desire for statutory independent tribunals and my regret that difficulties of personnel and transport prevent their establishment during the war. I am, however, authorised to say that it is the intention of the Government to set them up as soon as practicable after the war.
§ Mr. Rhys DaviesWhen they are set up can all cases that have emerged since the commencement of the war be brought before these tribunals?
§ Sir W. WomersleyYes, Sir.
§ Major MilnerMay we take it that the right hon. Gentleman's statement does not mean that he has entirely excluded further consideration of this matter during the war, which may yet last a long time?
§ Sir W. WomersleyNo, Sir, but I thought it was desirable that I should get a Government decision on this matter placed on record.