§ Mr. R. RICHARDSONasked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware that a month ago R. C. Hitchcox, Identity No. S.F.O. 121,783, was awarded the sum of £84, but up to the present he has only been able to receive £5 through the local War Pensions Committee; and whether he will expedite a settlement of this case?
§ Sir J. CRAIGI regret that there has been delay in this ease. It has now been settled.
§ Mr. HARRY HOPEasked the Minister of Pensions whether Circular No. 204 has received his approval; and whether, in view of the hardship which many men must undoubtedly suffer if it is enforced, he will take stops to delay its operation meantime?
§ Sir J. CRAIGCircular 204, which was issued on the 8th ultimo, was subsequently amended in certain respects and was reissued to Local War Pensions Committees in revised form on the 6th instant. I am sending my hon. Friend a copy of the revised circular. My hon. Friend is mistaken in thinking that it will cause any hardship. On the contrary, by the procedure adopted for bringing to notice each man's special requirements, it will be possible to secure for him the most suitable form of treatment.
Mr. A. T. DAVIESasked the Postmaster-General if the war pensions could be paid by the Local War Pensions Committee instead of the Post Office and save the unnecessary delay of pensioners waiting for their pensions?
§ Sir J. CRAIGI have been asked to reply to this question. In view of the898W fact that the number of post offices in the United Kingdom greatly exceeds the number of Local War Pensions Committees' offices, I am afraid that a change of the kind suggested would only result in great inconvenience to pensioners, who are, under existing arrangements, able to select a post office situated much more conveniently for them than would be the office of the Local War, Pensions Committee.