HC Deb 20 March 1945 vol 409 cc616-7
23. Mr. Hammersley

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that men over 50 years of age now being released from the Army are only entitled to two weeks' pay and allowances whereas those eligible for Class A general release will be entitled to eight weeks' pay and allowances; and whether he has any proposals to make to remove the sense of grievance which this disparity has induced.

Sir J. Grigg

I would refer the hon. Member to the statement made by my hon. Friend the Financial Secretary in the course of the Debate on the Adjournment on 16th March.

Mr. Hamtnersky

Does that mean that the matter is going to be carefully considered?

Sir J. Grigg

That is what I have said on three occasions in this House and what the Financial Secretary repeated on 16th March.

Mr. Shinwell

Does the right hon. Gentleman appreciate that many hon. Members, if not all, will regard it as most unfair if any man released from the Services, whatever his age, is excepted from the 56 days' leave arrangements?

Sir J. Grigg

That may be so, but I do not agree with that view. There are a certain number of cases who are released on conditions which do not justify the grant of 56 days' leave. On the other hand, as I have said, this particular case is at present under discussion.

Mr. Harnmersley

When is this consideration likely to be completed?

Sir J. Grigg

As I am not a dictator in this matter, I cannot possibly say.

31. Lieut.-Colonel Mayhew

asked the Secretary of State for War whether adequate facilities are provided to personnel about to be discharged from the services on medical grounds to inform themselves as to the disabilities entitling them to pension, so that they can ask for particular examination with a view to submitting a claim prior to discharge.

Sir J. Grigg

Claims are not limited to any specific disabilities but may be founded on any disability whatever which is accepted as attributable to war service or aggravated by it. Before a man is discharged on medical grounds he is given an opportunity for drawing attention to any disability from which he suffers and a report on his condition is then sent to the Ministry of Pensions. I am not aware that further arrangements are necessary.

Lieut.-Colonel Mayhew

Will similar rules apply to those discharged on other than medical grounds?

Sir J. Grigg

I think so, but I would like to have notice in order to give a considered answer.