§ 73. Mr. Prenticeasked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance, in view of the fact that only 3 per cent. of war disability pensioners qualify for the allowance for lowered standard of occupation, whether he is satisfied that this allowance is fulfilling the purpose for which it was intended; and whether he will amend the regulations to allow more pensioners to qualify.
11W
Mr. VaneThe answer to the last part of the Question is "No." As my right hon. Friend told the hon. Member on 3rd November he does not think that a useful view can be formed on this question by taking one allowance in isolation.
§ 74. Mr. Prenticeasked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance what representations he has received from the British Legion and other ex-Service men's organisations asking for a right of appeal to the Pensions Appeal Tribunal to be granted in respect of claims to the allowance for lowered standard of occupation; and what is his policy in this connection.
Mr. VaneMy right hon. Friend has received representations from time to time suggesting the institution of a system of formal appeals in connection with this allowance. He is not, however, satisfied that such a system would be in the interest of war pensioners. The present flexible arrangements under which they can discuss their cases with local War Pensions Committees seem to me to be much more appropriate to a provision of this kind.