§ 1. Sir Ian Fraserasked the Minister of Pensions when he proposes to introduce a new Royal Warrant to embody various suggestions that have been made to him, including the removal of the seven years' limit.
§ The Minister of Pensions (Mr. Wilfred Paling)I have discussed and reached agreement with my Central Advisory Committee regarding the provision to be made for cases in which a claim is made in respect of the disablement of a member of the Forces, or in which the death of such a member takes place more than seven years after the end of his war service. The necessary amending instruments are in preparation. As a result of recent discussions with St. Dunstan's I have agreed that the attendance allowance paid in many cases of blindness shall be increased. Certain details remain to be settled. These increases can be made within my present powers and will operate from early April.
§ Sir I. FraserIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the British Legion will welcome very warmly the seven years' concession for which they have worked for so many years, and may I thank him very much for what he has done for the blinded men?