§ 23. Mr. Collinsasked the Minister of Pensions how many unemployability supplements have been awarded to disablement pensioners; and whether the provision governing the award of such supplements is now being more generously and sympathetically, interpreted.
§ Mr. BlenkinsopThe answer to the first part of the Question is: "Approximately 11,300." With regard to the second part, the percentage of applications admitted in the first two months of this year was 67, as compared with 25 and 48 in the first two months of the years 1946 and 1947, respectively.
§ Mr. CollinsCan my hon. Friend take steps to bring that reply to the notice of the British Legion and the British Lin bless Ex-Servicemen's Association; and can he say whether the present effect is that, if a man is 100 per cent. disabled and unable to follow any paid employment, he does not receive a pension as low as the minimum of 45s.?
§ Mr. BlenkinsopYes, Sir, broadly speaking that is true. As my hon. Friend knows, the unemployability supplement is payable where the man, due to his disability, is removed out of the employment field, at any rate for some considerable period.