HC Deb 24 April 1923 vol 163 cc290-1W
Mr. LAWSON

asked the Minister of Pensions what is the number of permanent women civil servants above the higher clerical grade now employed in his Department; what was their length of service on appointment; what was their date of appointment; what were their salaries immediately prior to appointment; and what salaries are they receiving now?

Captain GRAIG

The number of permanent women civil servants above the higher clerical grade now employed in the Ministry is seven. The following are the particulars:

for the identification of ex-service men who are inmates of mental institutions and have not yet been identified; and will he publish the names of these men at regular and short intervals?

Captain CRAIG

I am informed that there are no unidentified ex-service men in mental asylums. In view of the distress and anxiety which is occasioned to relatives of ex-service men by suggestions that there are a number of unidentified ex-service men in asylums, I am glad to have had this opportunity of stating the position and trust it will receive wide publicity.

Mr. LANSBURY

asked the Minister of Pensions if he is now in a position to state what is the total number of ex-service men his Department has declined further responsibility for and handed over to the care of the Poor Law?

Captain CRAIG

I assume the hon. Member is referring to the cases of ex-service men in asylums whose insanity has at no time been accepted by the Ministry as connected with their war service. My right hon. Friend regrets that he is not yet in a position to give any more exact figure than that stated in the reply given to the hon. Member on the 15th February last, as a number of appeals have still to be heard by the tribunal. I may perhaps remind the hon. Member that pending the hearing of their appeals the Ministry bear the cost of the men's treatment and maintenance.