§ 16. Mr. Bellengerasked the Minister of Pensions whether any legislation will be necessary before appeal tribunals are set up; and, if so, how long he thinks it will be before it is possible for the tribunals to commence their work of adjudicating on appeals?
§ Sir W. WomersleyThe answer to the first part of the Question is in the affirmative. In the event of its being decided to introduce the necessary legislation, I am not able at present to give a reliable estimate of the time which must then elapse before the completion of arrangements to enable the tribunals to function.
§ Mr. BellengerHas it not already been decided that legislation is desirable, and is not the Minister going to implement that decision?
§ Sir W. WomersleyThe hon. Member knows full well that any decision my Committee may arrive at must be conveyed to the Government for them to make the final decision.
§ 17. Mr. Bellengerasked the Minister of Pensions what progress has been made in the direction of finding suitable personnel for appeal tribunals; and whether any steps have been taken to find suitable lawyers and ex-Servicemen for the tribunals?
§ Sir W. WomersleyI am not at present in a position to add to the statement I made in the House on 23rd March, except to say that my Central Advisory Committee, having received the report of the sub-committee, have made certain recommendations which are receiving consideration.
§ Earl WintertonCan the Minister say when he is likely to be able to give a decisive answer in this case? Would it be possible before Easter?
§ Sir W. WomersleyI am hopeful that it will.
§ 21. Mr. Evelyn Walkdenasked the Minister of Pensions when he proposes to introduce the legislation necessary for the setting up of pensions appeal tribunals?
§ Sir W. WomersleyI would refer the hon. Member to the answer I have given to-day to Questions on the same subject by the hon. Member for the Bassetlaw Division of Nottingham (Mr. Bellenger).
§ Mr. WalkdenMay I ask the Minister to refer to his own speech some weeks ago, which gave real reason to the community to believe that legislation would be introduced at an early date? Will he implement the promise or give an indication when we are likely to receive this Bill?
§ Sir W. WomersleyMy hon. Friend knows full well the procedure that has to be gone through before legislation is introduced. He knows very well that it is not any delay on my part.