HC Deb 30 July 1956 vol 557 cc893-4
5. Mr. Holt

asked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance whether he will reintroduce the pre-war facilities for a disabled ex-Service man to commute his pension for a lump sum.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

I have recently been carefully into this proposal, which has superficial attractions. Actual experience, however, clearly shows that the practice when operated before the war did not on balance work out to the advantage of war pensioners. I have, therefore, come to the conclusion that I should follow the line taken by my predecessors for the last sixteen years, and not re-introduce commutation.

Mr. Holt

If the practice does not work out to the benefit of those who wish to take advantage of the facilities, nevertheless if they still wish to take advantage of it why should they not be allowed to do so?

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

I think that that state of affairs, in human terms, is not an uncommon one, but it does not relieve my Department of responsibility for their welfare.

Mr. Marquand

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the rule to which he referred has not been an absolute rule? There has been to my certain knowledge at least one case—a very exceptional one—in which it was found better to allow commutation of the pension.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

I have not got that case in mind but no doubt it was during the term of office of the right hon. Member. I think he will not quarrel with me that generally the principle since 1940 has been to refuse commutation, and although it is sometimes attractive to look at individual cases, I think the rule generally followed is sound.