HC Deb 06 December 1945 vol 416 cc2495-6
1 and 2. Mr. Benn Levy

asked the Minister of Pensions (1) if he will remove the present disparity in war disablement pensions as between ranks;

(2) if he will arrange that a single man in receipt of war disablement pension should receive, on marrying, the same as is allowed to a correspondingly disabled married man.

4. Lieut.-Colonel Sir Ian Fraser

asked the Minister of Pensions if he has yet any statement to make as to improvements in war pensions and allowances, having regard to the new rates proposed for industrial disability pensions in the National Insurance (Industrial Injuries) Bill.

The Minister of Pensions (Mr. Wilfred Paling)

I am afraid that I am not yet able to make any statement upon the review of war pensions.

Mr. Levy

Is the Minister aware that there is very little reason to suppose that a limb lost by a brigadier, who may be a company director, is of more value to him than a limb lost by a private, who may be a bricklayer? It is much more logical, if there is to be no flat rate, that the discrepancy—

Hon. Members

Speech.

Major Guy Lloyd

Will the Minister give careful consideration —and he has had a long time in which to do so —to the memorandum from the British Legion in Scotland of this vital issue of how long it will be before the Government have a policy?

Mr. Paling

I met a deputation.

Sir I. Fraser

Will the Minister try to give us an answer soon, because there is a lot of anxiety in this matter?

Mr. Paling

I appreciate that, and I assure my hon. and gallant Friend that I am losing no time in this matter.

.Mr. Collins

asked the Minister of Pensions if he will increase the pension of 16s. per week for amputation of leg through calf, for pensioners of the last war, and bring the assessment for this injury into line with that still paid to men similarly disabled in the 1914–18 war.

Mr. Wilfred Paling

As already announced, an expert committee is to be set up to examine the schedule of assessments for specified injuries.

Mr. Collins

Is the Minister aware that the 16s. is worth only 10s. compared with values after the 1918 war? Will he give further consideration to the matter?

Mr. Paling

This committee is to consider all the points.