§ Mr. ELLIS DAVIESasked the Minister of Pensions, whether, in view of the large number of ex-service men who, though incapacitated and in some cases confined to hospitals or become dependent on poor relief, fail to obtain pensions through informality and lack of technical or medical assistance in the preparation of their cases, he can see his 1563W way to provide applicants with medical advice and other assistance in the preparation and presentation of their claims?
Mr. ROBERTSI am afraid I cannot admit that the position is as stated. The instructions of the Ministry provide that applicants, in submitting claims through local area offices, are to be given every assistance in the preparation of their claims. The local officer is also instructed to inform the applicant that it is open to him to enlist the assistance of a member of the War Pensions Committee or a voluntary worker in the preparation of his case, and such assistance has been freely given and will be continued where necessary.