§ 38. Mr. Heathcoat Amoryasked the Minister of Pensions whether in view of the fact that less than one per cent. of disability pensioners of the 1914–18 war are in receipt of the Special Hardship Allowance, he will make the conditions of this particular award less stringent for this age group.
§ The Minister of Pensions (Mr. Marquand)I do not consider that the conditions attached to payment of the allowance for this age group are too stringent. The number of awards is now increasing steadily but the full effect has not yet been felt of the special measures that have been taken to bring the conditions for award of the allowance, as well as other matters to the notice of all 1914–18 war pensioners. I am watching the position closely.
Mr. AmoryWill the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that many of the pensioners of the 1914–18 war by reason of their age are finding it harder and harder to hold their own in the competitive labour market, and will he also try. by the more sympathetic interpretation of the unemployability allowance and of the Special Hardship Allowance to do something to help this age group a bit more?
§ Mr. MarquandThe regulations are administered very sympathetically as I believe all hon. Members know. I am glad to say that the number of awards of these particular allowances now being made is at the rate of 75 a week, whereas until recently it was only 50.