HL Deb 24 November 1965 vol 270 cc907-8

2.48 p.m.

LORD FRASER OF LONSDALE

My Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.

[The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether the independent Committee, under the chairmanship of Lord McCorquodale of Newton, set up by the Minister of Pensions arid National Insurance to review the tables of assessment for war and industrial injuries disablement pensions has reported, and, if so, when a statement of the Government's intentions in regard thereto may be expected.]

LORD SORENSEN

My Lords, my right honourable friend has received the Report of Lord McCorquodale of Newton's Committee, and is now studying it. As no doubt the noble Lord knows, the Report was signed only as recently as November 10, and the Minister is now giving her attention to it. She wishes me to express her gratitude for the speed with which the Committee have completed their work. As the noble Lord will be aware, the issues before the Committee were complex ones, and I cannot yet say when my right honourable friend will be in a position to make an announcement. But I can assure the noble Lord that there will be no delay in the matter. If I can anticipate his supplementary question, may I say that I understand that the Report will be published.

LORD FRASER OF LONSDALE

Will be published when?

LORD SORENSEN

Will be published.

LORD FRASER OF LONSDALE

My Lords, while thanking the Minister of Pensions and her officials for the great help given to this Committee, and praising my noble friend the Chairman, may I ask when the Report will be published, and whether it will be published before a statement is made, or only when a statement is made?

LORD SORENSEN

My Lords, so far as the first part is concerned, I cannot say exactly when it will be published, but I am assured that it will be published. Obviously, it will be published at the earliest opportunity, in the interests of all concerned. I am afraid that I cannot reply to the latter part of the noble Lord's question.

LORD FRASER OF LONSDALE

thank the noble Lord.