HC Deb 24 May 1938 vol 336 cc1063-5W
Major Milner

asked the Minister of Pensions why his recently published report contains no particulars as to the termination, suspension, or reinstatement of the pensions of widows accused of unworthy conduct; and whether he will give such particulars for the three years prior to the last convenient date?

Mr. Ramsbotham:

With regard to the first part of the hon. Member's question, I find that these particulars appear to have been dropped from the annual report of the Ministry several years ago, at the time that an endeavour was made to reduce the size of the report by the omission of minor statistical detail. I will, however, see that the figures are restored for the future.

With regard to the second part of the question, as the answer contains a tabular statement, I will, with the hon. Member's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT. The number of cases in which pension was terminated by the Special Grants Committee or directed to be administered in trust and the number of pensions restored during the last three years were as follows:

1935–6. 1936–7. 1937–8.
Pensions forfeited by the Special Grants Committee 189 193 151
Pensions directed to to be administered in trust 15 23 8
Pensions restored 12 16 11

Major Milner

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he has now completed his consideration of the procedure of the Special Grants Committee in regard to charges of alleged unworthy conduct against War widows and with what re suit; and whether the constitution, personnel, or practice of the committee has been changed in any respect since December, 1937?

Mr. Ramsbotham:

I have, in discussion with the Special Grants Committee, made some suggestions as to certain amendments of procedure with regard, for example, to the presentment of evidence, the taking of statements from the persons concerned and other matters. I am glad to say that the committee are in general agreement with my suggestions. The constitution and personnel of the committee remain unchanged since December, 1937, except that Sir Edward Troup has asked, on grounds of health, that he should not be re-appointed chairman, and that the hon. Member for Tottenham, North (Mr. R. C. Morrison) has been appointed to fill a vacancy created by the resignation of the hon. Member for Pontypool (Mr. A. Jenkins).

Major Milner

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he will state the reason for the delay in publication of his 1936–37 report which has just been published, but was ordered by the House to be printed as long ago as December, 1937; what was the date of publication of the last preceding report; and when publication of the 1937–38 report may be expected?

Mr. Ramsbotham:

The Annual Report of my Department for 1935–36 was published in two parts which were issued in print in April and July, 1937. It has been the practice in recent years to await the final out-turn of the figures of expenditure in place of quoting estimates and this has necessarily involved delay in issue. I have, however, decided to revert to the earlier practice. The report just issued has been enlarged in order to give the House greater information as to the Ministry's activities. Now that the form has been settled I hope to issue the report for 1937–38 at an early date.