§ Lieut.-Commander Hutchisonasked the Minister of Pensions whether he will increase the treatment allowances for inpatient treatment in hospitals in view of the fact that ex-Service men who are in employment are frequently deterred from undergoing the necessary treatment on account of the prospective loss of income and consequent hardship to their dependants.
§ Sir W. WomersleyI am unable to accept the implication in the second part of the Question, more particularly in view of the provision which now permits of a supplement so as to ensure that a married man whilst in hospital receives a minimum cash payment (including N.H.I. benefit) of 50s. a week for himself and his wife. In addition to this sum he receives 7s. 6d. a week for each dependent child, including those for whom pension allowance is not admissible. In my view there are no grounds for increasing the allowances.
§ Lieut.-Commander Hutchisonasked the Minister of Pensions whether he will now appoint a special committee to investigate the proposals for reconstructing the pensions instruments as put forward by the British Legion, Scotland.
§ Sir W. WomersleyThe views of the British Legion (Scotland) affecting the main principles of the war pensions system were carefully examined with those of other representative organisations when the changes in war pensions announced in Command 6459 were under consideration, and I do not consider that further investigation by a special committee is called for.
1954W
§ Mr. Bartlettasked the Minister of Pensions what increase, in disability pensions payable to soldiers or junior officers wounded in the war of 1914–18, has been made to meet the increased cost of living.
§ Sir W. WomersleyThe present rates of pension for persons disabled in the war of 1914–18 were based on a cost-of-living index figure higher than that prevailing to-day, and do not therefore require revision.