§ 53. Lieut-Colonel Bromley-Davenportasked the Minister of Pensions how many pensioners from the 1914–18 war and the 1939–44 war have failed to draw their pensions; in how many cases application 22W has been made for a restoration of pensions not drawn; how many have been refused on the ground that the time during which application could be made for renewal had lapsed; and whether he will consider making an ex gratia payment in cases of hardship, since the State has been saved money by the action of these pensioners in not drawing their pensions.
Mr. AmoryI regret that I have no record of the number of cases referred to by my hon. and gallant Friend in the first and second parts of the Question. Pensions which have lapsed solely because of failure to draw them for 12 months or more are restored from the date of application. I do not feel that I should be justified in making any payment in respect of arrears unless exceptional circumstances had prevented the pension being drawn.