Mr. De la Bère:

asked the Minister of Pensions whether, in connection with the disabled ex-Service men's basic pension and other matters calling for review, he will consider appointing a commission to review and revise the Royal Warrant so as to ensure the practical changes necessitated by the changed conditions which have arisen during the past two years.

asked the Minister of Pensions if he will make a statement with regard to the raising of the pension rates for ex-Service men and women

A comprehensive review of the War Pension Code was made by the present Government less than two years ago and an increase in the basic rate was one of the many improvements made in February last year and embodied in the Royal Warrant Of 12th April, 1946 (Command 6799). Several further improvements have since been made and announced in the House, and amending Royal Warrants were issued in March and May of this year (Command 7096 and Command 7124). The Government do not, therefore, consider that a special Commission to undertake a further comprehensive review of the War Pension Code is necessary, but I can assure the hon. Member that I will continue to consult my Central Advisory Committee on any matters which may require review in the light of changing conditions.

Is the Minister aware that conditions have materially changed in the last few years, and was there not a specific promise made that ex-Service men would not be let down? Is it not possible now to do something in view of the increased cost of living, and is not the whole position utterly unsatisfactory?

I do not think that is borne out by the figures. Since 1939, the increases have been very substantial and in some cases have been more than 100 per cent. If the hon. Member would care for the figures, they are; percentage increase in the case of a pensioner, 38.5; pensioner and wife, 46.6; pensioner, wife and one child, 47; pensioner, wife and two children, 52.7; pensioner, wife and three children, 57.6; pensioner, wife and four children. 61.9.

The basic figures are all wrong.

Will the Minister give the House an assurance that this deserving and unorganised section of the community will not be allowed to lag behind the able-bodied in securing increases in their pensions?

I have given a general answer to that.

Is it not a fact that there are now fewer ex-Service men turning the organ in the street than there were after the 1914–18 war?

In view of the millions being paid by the Government in full compensation for property damaged by the war, is it too much for men and women maimed and wrecked in the service of their country to expect something more than the present niggardly 45s. a week paid for full disability?

I shall get up on this point day after day. I am sick and tired of the way in which it is being dealt with. It is utterly disgraceful. I beg to give notice that I shall raise the matter again on the Adjournment. It is thoroughly unsatisfactory.