§ 66. Miss Baconasked the Minister of Pensions if he is aware of the hardship caused to pensioners because of temporary illness during the period July, 1944-July, 1945, such period being the one to determine payment in respect of a lowered standard of occupation; and if he will introduce legislation to amend the Royal Warrant with respect to this matter.
Mr. AmoryUnder the Royal Warrant provisions the test of eligibility for the award of this allowance is a comparison of the present occupation with that followed for a reasonable period between 1st July, 1944, and 1st July, 1945. Provided, therefore, the pensioner followed an occupation during the year in question, a temporary illness of itself does not preclude consideration for an award.
During the period 1st July, 1944, to 1st July, 1945, employment was at its highest and 1914 war disabled pensioners generally had been absorbed into employment at the highest level of work of which they were capable. I feel that the balance of advantage to pensioners' generally lies in maintaining the present arrangement.
If the hon. Member has any particular case in mind I shall be glad to look into it.