HC Deb 29 May 1941 vol 371 cc2016-7W
Sir Smedley Crooke

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he will consider the advisability of reconstituting the war pensions committees throughout the country; and, when doing so, will he take steps to ensure that the British Legion is adequately represented on those committees?

Sir W. Womersley

War pensions committees have remained in being and there is, therefore, no need for their reconstitution. I am satisfied that members of the Legion have an adequate share in the membership of these committees as representatives of disabled men and of widows and dependants, but if the hon. Member has any particular case in mind perhaps he will let me know.

Sir Smedley Crooke

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he will consider the advisability of establishing independent appeals tribunals throughout the country to enable men discharged from service, who have been denied compensation, to appeal independently as was done in the Great War?

Sir W. Womersley

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave to the hon. Member for Stoke (Mr. E. Smith) on 23rd April, of which I am sending him a copy.