§ Mr. HINDLEasked the Minister of Pensions the number of cases during the last six months in the north-western regional area in which pensioners have been asked to repay to the Ministry sums alleged to have been overpaid to them; the amount so claimed; and whether he will withdraw such claim for reimbursement on proof of hardship?
§ Major TRYONI regret that this information is not readily available. I may, however, say that in a large proportion of cases the recovery is in respect of advances made on the express understanding that they would be recovered if pension was ultimately awarded. Recovery of overissues is now limited in accordance with concessions announced in reply to questions in April, 1923, of which I am sending the hon. Member a copy. Cases of hardship are sympathetically considered on their individual merits.