§ 15. Mr. D. Griffithsasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer when he will pay post-war credits to disabled ex-Service men; and what amount of money is involved.
§ Mr. GreenDisabled ex-Service men receiving a 100 per cent, disability pension can obtain payment of their post-war credits if they have not already claimed them. To pay credits to all disabled ex-Service men would cost about £1 million but I am afraid that I cannot see my way to make this special release.
§ Mr. GriffithsIn view of the expenditure the Government have promised for the future, this sum would not be equivalent to losing a button off the Chancellor's shirt. Is it not time that these men— and in some cases women—who are suffering under certain circumstances were paid their money?
§ Mr. GreenI agree that the amount is not great, but I am sure that the hon. Member will appreciate that there are plenty of other classes which could really lay claim to exactly equal treatment. This is not, therefore, merely a question of one particular class of person.
§ Mr. HoughtonWhat steps are taken to bring to the notice of the 100 per cent, disabled their right to claim post-war credits? I have had letters from a number of disabled people saying that they have never heard of this.
§ Mr. GreenThere have been the usual announcements and forms of advertisement, including Questions in the House. We will certainly see if there is any need for, or evidence that would require, any stepping up of the advertisement.