HC Deb 23 June 1960 vol 625 c650
5. Mr. Swingler

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will consider the extension of the repayment of post-war credits to all persons who are officially recognised as severely disabled.

Sir E. Boyle

There are serious difficulties about this suggestion, but I will keep it in mind.

Mr. Swingler

Does not the hon. Gentleman agree that it is contrary to the intention of the Chancellor and of Parliament that persons like Mr. Walton, whose case I have submitted, should not be able to get their postwar credits, although more severely disabled than many who are in the categories announced by the Chancellor? As these persons are classified at the employment exchange as severely disabled, are they not a definable category in the same way as other pensioners?

Sir E. Boyle

I understand the force of the argument, but we took very good care when we considered which categories should be included this year on both hardship and administrative grounds. It is not an easy question. I cannot add to what I have said today, but I assure the hon. Member that the matter will be constantly borne in mind.