HC Deb 24 February 1953 vol 511 cc1885-7
9. Mr. Lewis

asked the Minister of Pensions the estimated cost to his Department in a given year of instituting the principle of "Fit for service, fit for pension."

Mr. Amory

It is very difficult to give a reliable estimate, but it appears that the additional cost to my Department might well be not less than £35 million in a year.

Mr. Lewis

While that may appear to be a large sum, in view of the amount of good that it would do to a number of people who legitimately feel that they have a claim, will not the Minister look at this matter again? I know that he has viewed it sympathetically, but may I ask him again to see whether or not he could touch the Chancellor's stony heart to do something for these people?

Mr. Amory

I think that the present basis has been accepted for many years, and is now accepted, as just and reasonable by those concerned. I am afraid I could not contemplate a change of the kind proposed at the present time.

Mr. Chetwynd

In order to help us to assess the reasonableness of that, can the Minister give the proportion of applications for pensions accepted by his Department.

Mr. Amory

Not without notice, although I should be glad to provide the information if the hon. Gentleman would put down a Question.

Mr. Shurmer

Is the Minister aware that this is a matter of grave concern to ex-Service men and their relatives? They cannot believe that where a man who was fit for service comes out with some disease, his condition has not been aggravated, if not caused, by his service. Surely, a man coming out of the Army in such a condition should be eligible for a pension?

Mr. Amory

I would remind the hon. Gentleman of the present basis. If the disability is either caused or aggravated by service in the Forces then a pension is payable.

Mr. Ellis Smith

Is the guiding principle for administrative purposes that if any doubt exists the man should be given the benefit of that doubt?

Mr. Amory

Any reasonable doubt is given in favour of the pension applicant.

Brigadier Prior-Palmer

Is my hon. Friend aware that this does not appear to be so in large numbers of cases? The benefit of the doubt appears not to be given in many cases because it is so difficult to prove whether or not the disability is the result of active service.

Mr. Amory

I could not agree more with my hon. and gallant Friend that that is very often so, but I would point out that it is the benefit of any reasonable doubt and not, of course, the benefit of any possible doubt. I can only once again invite any hon. Member who has a case where it appears that justice has not been done to put it to my Department and to write to me personally.