Mr. ALFRED T. DAVIESasked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware that there are some thousands of cases of ex-service men waiting to be heard before the House of Lords Appeal Court, of which only about 40 cases per week are now being dealt with; and whether, if it is not possible under existing Regulations to set up additional courts of three justices of the peace in various centres to deal with the urgent need for speedy decisions in these cases, he will consider an amendment of the existing law so as to deal with this urgent matter in the interests of ex-service men during the present Session?
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§ Sir G. HEWARTI have been asked to reply. I am informed that there are at the present time about 8,500 appeals waiting to be dealt with by the Pensions Appeal Tribunals established by the War Pensions (Administrative Provisions) Act, 1919. The 12 tribunals now sitting deal with over 600 appeals per week. Of the cases listed, some have to be adjourned, often owing to the failure of appellants to appear in response to the notices of hearing. Steps are being taken to ensure as far as possible that there shall be no unreasonable delay, and to this end additional tribunals are being set up.
Sir F. HALLasked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware that letters were addressed to his Department by the hon. Member for Dulwich (Sir F Hall) on the 14th ultimo and the 6th instant with reference to the case of Mrs. Loseby, of 72, Glengarry Road, East Dulwich; that a formal acknowledgment of the letter of the 14th ultimo was sent from his Department promising that inquiries should be made and that a further communication would be forthcoming shortly; and that no acknowledgment whatever was sent of the letter of the 6th instant and no information of any description has therefore been received in reply thereto; and whether, considering the great delay which has taken place in investigating this matter, he will give immediate instructions for the case to be dealt with and a full report issued forthwith?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONI regret that there has been delay in this case, which is one of some difficulty. A letter has now been despatched to my hon. and gallant Friend. I understand that Mrs. Loseby is appealing to the Pensions Appeal Tribunal.