15. Mr. Amoryasked the Minister of Pensions why pensioners disabled in the 1914–18 war are ineligible for the hardship allowance.
§ Mr. BlenkinsopIn view of the lapse of time it would be quite impossible in the case of 1914 war pensioners generally to apply a provision which requires a comparison between the pensioner's occupation prior to his war service and his occupation after his war service, and this is fully appreciated by the ex-Service organisations with whom my right hon. Friend has had discussions.
Mr. AmoryWill the hon. Gentleman remember that the disabled of the 1914–18 war, owing to their more advanced age, are in the greatest need of assistance and should have all the benefits which are available to the younger men who were disabled in the last war?
§ Mr. BlenkinsopWe are well aware of the difficulty of this position, and we are very ready to have further discussions with the organisations concerned who appreciate our difficulties in the matter.