§ Major COHENasked the Minister of Pensions the total number of claims, submitted outside the seven years' time limit, that have been admitted under the following headings: by way of pecuniary compensation, and medical or surgical treatment, respectively?
§ Mr. F. O. ROBERTSIn the nine years, up to 30th September last, since the time limit was enacted, some 1,400 cases of late claim have been awarded pecuniary compensation by way of pension or otherwise, and in about 500 cases has surgical treatment been provided.
§ Major COHENasked the Minister of Pensions what was the date of the last meeting of the central advisory committee; and whether, having regard to the fact that since last November 18,000 claims have been submitted outside the seven years' time limit and only 800 admitted, he will have this committee called together to discuss the working of the administrative arrangements that have been introduced to deal with this type of claim?
§ Mr. ROBERTSThe committee met last in November, 1927. I am not proposing an immediate meeting, but shall not hesitate to summon one as soon as any matters arise for their consideration. I may say that in the course of some 14 meetings in all parts of the country, I have consulted representatives of all War1500W pensions committees, including members of the British Legion, on the subject referred to by the hon. and gallant Member, along with other matters, with much advantage to the administration.
§ Mr. CAPEasked the Minister of Pensions the number of ex-service men that have applied for pensions since the abolition of the seven years' limit; and what percentage of applicants have been granted pensions?
§ Mr. ROBERTSI would refer my hon. Friend to the answer which I gave to the hon. and gallant Member for Carnarvon (Major Owen) on the 30th ultimo, of which I am sending him a copy.