§ 28. Mr. Shurmerasked the Minister of Pensions, in cases of deterioration of health, what consideration is given to pensioners of the 1914–18 war whose pensions were stabilised some years ago.
§ Mr. SimmonsWhere there is material worsening of the disablement due to war service the pension is increased. During the financial year 1949–1950, 3,376 disablement pensioners of the 1914 war were given increases of pension. In addition 170 first claims in respect of disablement resulting from that war were admitted.
§ Mr. ShurmerCan my hon. Friend say whether allowances in respect of wives and children are payable in these cases?
§ Mr. SimmonsYes, Sir. Since 1946, as a result of action taken by the then Minister, my right hon. Friend the Member for Dearne Valley (Mr. Wilfred Paling), allowances have been payable in respect of wives and children of post-injury marriages. Some 160,000 new allowances for wives and 120,000 allowances for children were granted to 1914 war pensioners immediately following this change. The new allowances in respect of wives and children continue to be granted at the rate of over 5,000 a year.
§ Mr. John TilneyWith such a paltry rise in the basic total disablement pension since 1919, despite the change that there has been in the value of money, will not the Minister reconsider the total disablement pension rates which appear to put a man's health and limb, if lost in the service of his country, at so low a price?
§ Mr. SimmonsThat is entirely another question, but I would advise the hon. Gentleman to read the Report of the Ministry.
§ Mr. ShurmerIs my hon. Friend aware that his Department can take heart from the statement made yesterday by the chairman of the North-Eastern Glamorgan War Pensions Committee, Captain Price, who said that never had war pensioners been looked after so well as they are looked after today; that in the past they were treated as cattle and lead-swingers; and that the hundreds of men and women he was continually visiting would confirm that?