HC Deb 02 July 1956 vol 555 cc969-71
17 and 18. Mr. Simmons

asked the Minister of Health (1) what channels of representation there are through which specific problems affecting the war disabled can be made to him by the organi- sations which represent in their membership the great majority of war pensioners;

(2) if he will consider setting up a Minister's Advisory Committee on which representatives of ex-Service organisations and war pensions committees would be eligible to serve to deal with the special problems of war disabled pensioners, such as artificial limbs, invalid vehicles and hospital treatment, which are now outwith the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Pensions and National Insurance.

The Minister of Health (Mr. R. H. Turton)

I and my officers are always ready to receive representations direct from these organisations and to discuss their special problems with them, and I do not think, therefore, that any formal advisory committee is required.

Mr. Simmons

Is the Minister aware that, before the merger, there was a war pensions advisory committee which performed a very useful service for the ex-Service men's community generally, but that since the merger questions dealing with such things as vehicles, artificial limbs and hospital treatment are outwith the control of that committee? Is he further aware that the various ex-Service men's organisations feel very keenly that there is a need in his Department for a committee complementary to that in the Ministry of Pensions and National Insurance?

Mr. Turton

I realise that that was the set-up before the merger, and, in fact, the Central Advisory Committee of the Ministry of Pensions is still going on. As regards the work of my Department, I think that the best way is for these organisations to meet me and to discuss their problems with me. I am meeting a deputation very shortly on the subject of invalid tricycles. There will be on it representatives of the Invalid Tricycle Association, which represents men disabled in both war and peace, and of the R.A.F. Association. I think that that is the best way of carrying on my work.

Sir I. Fraser

Would my right hon. Friend consider the possibility of a representative of his Department, by arrangement with the Ministry of Pensions, attending this Central Advisory Committee, because, of course, it is true that in the past all these ex-Service representatives were able to discuss matters at meetings of that committee and are not now able to do so?

Mr. Turton

I will willingly consider the suggestion if the representation is made to me.

Sir I. Fraser

I make it now.