§ Mr. Alfred MorrisTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what consultations his Department has had with the Department of Social Security in relation to replies to parliamentary questions from the right hon. Member for Manchester, Wythenshawe, on the subject of sensorineural hearing loss and war pensions. [15860]
§ Mr. SoamesThe administration of the war pension scheme is a matter for the Department of Social Security. On medical matters, the legislation governing that scheme requires the War Pensions Agency to take the advice of a medical advisor appointed by the Secretary of State for that Department. My Department has no part to play in this process; consequently, there has been no need for consultation.