§ Mr. Loverseedasked the Minister of Pensions whether for the purpose of the means test imposed on parents claiming pensions in respect of members of His Majesty's Forces, any allotment made by such members will be disregarded.
§ Sir W. WomersleyIf the hon. Member is referring to an allotment made by the deceased son in respect of whom the claim is made it would be to the parents' disadvantage to disregard this allotment, since under the working rules the means limit is raised by taking it into account. If, however, as I assume, the hon. Member has in mind the allotments made by surviving members of the family, I can see no justification for disregarding this form of income in assessing pension in respect of a deceased son. Indeed, to do this would give those parents an advantage which could not be shared by those who lose an only son.
§ Mr. Leslieasked the Secretary of State for War whether men invalided from the Forces just prior to the present war and refused a pension, have the right of appeal to the Pensions Appeal Tribunal; and, if not, whether he will consider extending the right to such cases.
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§ Mr. A. HendersonPensions Appeal Tribunals were specially set up to deal with the many and varying disablement cases which arise out of service in war conditions. The same circumstances do not apply in the case of men invalided in peace, and it is not therefore considered necessary to introduce similar procedure in their case.