HC Deb 28 February 1946 vol 419 cc2092-3
31. Flight-Lieutenant Beswick

asked the Minister of Pensions the reasons which justify the refusal of a wife's allowance to a pensioner who marries more than ten years after the granting of his original pension.

The Minister of Pensions (Mr. Wilfred Paling)

The period of ten years dates from the end of the pensioner's war service. For the Government's reasons for introducing the ten years' limit I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the answer given to the hon. Member for Central Cardiff (Mr. G. Thomas) on 31st January.

Flight-Lieutenant Beswick

Is the Minister aware that later on in life these pensioners particularly appreciate the sympathy and assistance of a wife, and that under the present regulation they are suffering unnecessary hardship? Will be reconsider the matter?

Mr. Paling

That was in our minds when this matter was being considered but having regard to the general contention advanced for making this concession it was thought that ten years was a reasonable period.

32. Mr. H. Hynd

asked the Minister of Pensions what are the difficulties preventing the setting up of assessment tribunals as provided for in Section 5 of the Pensions Appeal Tribunals Act, 1943; and whether he will indicate when he will be likely to be in a position to name an appointed day for their operation.

Mr. Wilfred Paling

The operation of Section 5 of the Pensions Appeal Tribunals Act, 1943, was postponed primarily on account of man-power difficulties. Priority had to be given to the more important entitlement appeals. The position regarding these is improving and I am keeping under constant review the question when it will be practicable to set up assessment tribunals.

Mr. Hynd

Is the Minister aware that it is three years since Parliament expressed a desire for assessment tribunals to be set up, and cannot he offer any hope of an early date when they will be set up?

Mr. Paling

I have already said that the most important thing is the question of entitlement. We were in a difficulty about this, but the position is fairly satisfactory at the moment and I hope it will not be long before assessment tribunals are also set up.

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