HC Deb 15 June 1948 vol 452 cc238-9
27. Mr. Peter Freeman

asked the Minister of Pensions what is the present extra allowance given to disabled ex-Service men who are receiving a disability pension for clothing; when the allocation was altered; and how many are now receiving the extra allowance.

The Minister of Pensions (Mr. Buchanan)

The present allowances to cover abnormal wear and tear of clothing as a result of the pensioned disablement are £5 a year where one artificial limb, other than a tilting-table limb, is worn and £8 a year where the pensioner wears a tilting-table limb or more than one artificial limb. Up to £ a year is also payable in certain other cases where exceptional wear and tear results from the pensioned disablement. The allowances, originally £3 and £5 a year respectively, were raised to the present rates with effect from 1st February, 1948. Approximately 33,000 pensioners are now receiving a clothing allowance.

Mr. Freeman

Can my right hon. Friend say whether these allowances are given automatically; whether each one has to apply for it on his own merits, and what percentage of disability is allowed to get a full allowance?

Mr. Buchanan

I dealt with this on 1st February when the increases were announced. If a person now has the allowance, there is no need for a new application at all, but obviously if a person wants it for the first time he must make an application for it.

Mr. Freeman

Could my right hon. Friend say what percentage is not receiving it?

Mr. Buchanan

Obviously, I could not say without notice.