HC Deb 28 January 1943 vol 386 cc621-2W
Mr. E. Walkden

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he has replied to the resolutions and suggestions of the Southwest Lancashire War Pensions Committee, under the chairmanship of the Lord Mayor of Liverpool, which express the view that pensions appeal tribunals should be set up and it is undesirable that medical practitioners should be represented on these tribunals; and can he announce the terms of his reply?

Sir W. Womersley

A reply to this resolution is being deferred pending the report of the sub-committee of my Central Advisory Committee which, as I stated in reply to a Question by the hon. Member for North Cumberland (Mr. W. Roberts) on 17th December, 1942, I have set up to assist me in a further examination of the problem of Pensions Appeal Tribunals.

Mr. Henderson Stewart

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he has considered the letter of 25th January from the British Legion setting out the three main points of their policy as regards war pensions for disabled men and women of the Forces; and what reply he has made?

Sir W. Womersley

Each of the points mentioned in the letter has been fully discussed on previous occasions, and I see no ground for varying the conclusions which have been communicated to the British Legion.

Mr. Buchanan

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware that William Kirby, 118, Caledonia Road, Glasgow, has been refused a pension; that he joined the Royal Army Service Corps on 12th February, 1929, served for over six years in India before the war, rejoined his unit on 15th August, 1939, and served in France and at Dunkirk, having been passed A1: and whether he will take steps to reconsider this case?

Sir W. Womersley

As I informed the hon. Member on 22nd December last, I am medically advised that Mr. Kirby's disability, which is of a constitutional nature, has not been caused or adversely affected by his war service, and I regret that I am, therefore, unable to award a pension.