War Pensions (Hansard, 22 June 1959)

§ 19. Mr. L. M. Lever
asked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance if he will state the number of limbless war pensioners of the 1914–18 War; the number who now qualify for the age allowance payable at 65 years of age; and the number of 1914–18 limbless war pensioners who died last year before qualifying for the age allowance.

The Joint Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Pensions and National Insurance (Mr. W. M. F. Vane)
At 27th March, 1959, there were 18,897 limbless pensioners of the 1914–18 War, and 9,175 qualified for the age allowance. In the year ending on that date deaths among 1914–18 War limbless pensioners who were under 65 numbered 329.

§ Mr. Lever
Is the Minister aware that those pensioners, numbering over 300, would have qualified for these welcome benefits if the age limit had been lowered 843 from 65 to 60? Will the Government give further consideration to the possibility of reducing the age limit to 60, in order that as many people as possible can enjoy the benefits which the Government have given this deserving section of the community?

Mr. Vane
The answer to the first part of the hon. Gentleman's supplementary question is "Yes". But when the age allowance was introduced the age of 65 was chosen, together with the figure of 40 per cent, disability, because it was felt that by drawing the line there help would be concentrated where it was most needed. It is not intended to apply to Services in any particular campaign or war. Whichever age limit was chosen, the hon. Member would be able to say it was a pity that the line was not drawn a little lower.

§ 20. Mr. Gough
asked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance what positive steps are being taken by his Department to bring to the notice of limbless and other seriously-disabled ex-Service men the full extent of their entitlements.

§ Mr. Boyd-Carpenter
Two years ago I sent an individual letter to war pensioners and widows, together with a detailed leaflet, drawing their attention to the various benefits to which they might be entitled, and explaining how to claim them. My own welfare officers, the war pensions committees and the ex-Service organisations are all working to secure that the war pensioner and widow secure all that they are entitled to under the scheme, and the Press have been very helpful in the matter. Last but by no manner of means least is the very great help we receive in connection with individual cases from hon. Members. This is, of course, a continuing problem.

§ Mr. Gough
I thank my right hon. Friend for that reply, and I should also like to pay tribute to the devotedness of his staff in this matter. Nevertheless, would he consider arranging, through the television authorities—either the B.B.C. or the I.T.A.—for periodical television programmes to this effect? It would appear that many disabled people still do not know what benefits they can draw.

§ Mr. Boyd-Carpenter
The matter does not rest entirely in my hands. The 844 broadcasting authorities are always very helpful in these matters, but in this connection there is a danger of stimulating hopes which are subsequently frustrated. Although I should like to consider my hon. Friend's suggestion, I can see that difficulties might be involved in adopting it.

§ 22. Mr. Simmons
asked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance if he will state the numbers of 1914–18 limb less war pensioners whose assessments of disability have been reviewed during the last 12 months, and the numbers of such cases in which increased assessments have been authorised to take account of deterioration in pensioned disabilities or consequential conditions.

Mr. Vane
I regret that the information requested in the first part of the Question is not available. As regards the second, the figure for the year ended 27th March, 1959, was about 320.

§ 23. Mr. Simmons
asked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance if he will now appoint a Committee to review the Tables of Assessments for Specific Injuries, with a view to remedying the grievances arising from the varying rates of pensions for similar amputations and the disabilities sustained in different wars, and to consider especially the amount of compensation paid to those who are directly linked to the Tables of Assessments for Specific Injuries.

§ Mr. Boyd-Carpenter
No, Sir. As the hon. Member knows, the existing assessments were those recommended by the expert committee which went into the matter fully in 1946. I do not feel that there has been any change since then which would justify setting up another committee.

§ Mr. Simmons
The Minister will appreciate that 1946 is some time away. Does he also appreciate that an appeal in connection with an amputation attracts only a 40 per cent, pension, which is 34s. a week, with no opportunity of qualifying for the supplementary allowances? As has already been proved, amputation brings other things in its train. Should not there be some opportunity, therefore, of a supplementary allowance rather than that a person should be tied to a fixed amount as at present?

§ Mr. Boyd-Carpenter
The hon. Gentleman has raised a different question from that on the Order Paper with respect to allowances. His Question on the Order Paper relates to the reviewing of the fixed assessments recommended by the Hancock Committee. About them I can only say that they were worked out by a highly expert body which received expert medical help. The result was to increase some assessments above the preexisting level as well as to reduce others of the kind which the hon. Gentleman may have in mind. On the medical aspect of the matter, I do not think there is a case for a review of this kind.