HC Deb 27 March 1928 vol 162 cc286-8W
Sir W. de FRECE

asked the Minister of Pensions whether, in the notices to pensioners announcing variations of their awards, they are told that their pension is granted subject to review during its currency should any circumstances arise which, in the opinion of the Ministry, call for its reconsideration; whether, to avoid the uncertainty and suspense which such a formula causes to many people not too well informed as to official methods, he could indicate on the paper what such circumstances could be; whether the circumstances include action as the result of Parliamentary order as well as medical considerations; and whether, in any case, he will consider the desirability of setting out, for the information of each pensioner, how his or her pension will be affected during the period under review by any steps which the Ministry has to take under Regulation?

Captain CRAIG

The notification referred to merely reserves to the Minister the obvious right to cancel a pension based on incapacity and pecuniary need if it be brought to notice during the currency of the award that these conditions have definitely ceased to apply. I will consider the question of amending the form to make the position clear. In practice, it would be very rare for a need pension to be cancelled or altered during its currency.

Sir W. de FRECE

further asked whether in announcing to pensioners the reduction of their pensions by the usual red form, any explanation is given to these pensioners as to why their pensions are reduced; and, if not, whether such information will in future be supplied?

Captain CRAIG

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave to the hon. Member for Newport (Mr. Clarry) on the 15th March.

Mr. A. HENDERSON

asked the Minister of Pensions whether all pensions granted in respect of injuries sustained in the War are being reviewed by the Ministry, and decisions of Army courts of inquiry and commanding officers on facts relating to a man's circumstances at the time of injury being rejected; and whether it, is contended that a Ministry official is sufficiently acquainted with the evidence taken four or more years ago to reverse the original decision awarding pension for life?

Major TRYON

It is not the case that decisions of Army Courts of Inquiry or of commanding officers in the men's favour are being rejected on review by the Ministry, but in a certain number of cases it has been necessary to reverse favourable decisions by the Ministry because adverse reports of courts of inquiry, which were not in the possession of the Ministry at the time of the original decision, have since been received from the War Office.