§ Captain LOSEBYasked the Pensions Minister if he is aware that many monetary advantages to which members of the Army are entitled are only payable after special application and that many of the members are unware of the advantages under alternative pension schemes so obtainable; and if he will take early steps to ensure that payments to which members of the Army are entitled become in the future, as far as possible, automatically payable; that monetary advantages only obtainable on application are more widely advertised; and that machinery is established to deal more efficiently and speedily with such applications?
§ Sir JAMES CRAIGPayment of pension is automatic, as far as it can be made so, but special benefits, like the alternative pension and special grants, which depend upon past circumstances not known to this Department, can clearly only be given on application. These benefits, and the conditions under which they can be obtained, are explained in the Disabled Officers' and Soldiers' Handbooks. Every effort is made to deal speedily and efficiently with applications when received.