Mr. David Adamsasked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware that persons unfit for future employment by reason of severe disablement must when in need seek help from local public assistance, subject to the family means test, thereby adding financial burdens to the local authorities concerned; and whether he will propose legislation authorising the Assistance Board to grant supplementary pensions to persons in receipt of war disability pensions and incapacitated by reason of severe disablement and in need?
§ Sir W. WomersleyIt is an essential principle of war disability pensions, advocated by ex-service men themselves and their representatives, that they should be based on the extent of disablement arising from war service and should not take account of the particular circum-stances of the individual. I am not prepared to recommend the fundamental change suggested, which would necessarily carry with it a reduction of pension in the case of many men who earn full wages.