HC Deb 09 December 1952 vol 509 cc222-3
40. Mr. Simmons

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will consult his hon. Friend the Minister of Pensions concerning the possibility of using the Ministry of Pensions Welfare Service to send welfare officers to interview next of kin when Army personnel are killed in preference to the abrupt method of sending a telegram.

Mr. Head

I have looked into this procedure again and, as a result, I think that even if my hon. Friend could undertake the task it would be likely to cause serious and probably distressing delays which the present system does avoid.

Mr. Simmons

Does the Minister realise that a personal visit from a sympathetic person such as is to be found on the welfare staff of the Ministry of Pensions would do a great deal to soften the blow and would not be so abrupt as the receipt of a telegram? Will he have another look at this matter?

Mr. Head

I am aware of that point, but to do as the hon. Gentleman suggests would entail calling on a very large staff. We have special arrangements whereby a man can ask for a telegram to be sent not to his next of kin but to another individual, and where the next of kin is in hospital that is also done.