Question time this week has provided at least two lively
controversies. The first was raised by Mr. 141abane, who drew attention to the grievances of many ex-service- men who are now experiencing the after effects of ailments or wounds sustained in the War and are finding difficulty in proving that they are the direct result of war service and so entitle them to an increase in their disability pensions. The Minister of Pensions did not appear to think that any real injustice was being done, but he was pursued by a fusillade of supplementaries from all parts of the House which indicated that a problem had been raised that nearly every member had experienced in some form or other in their constituencies. Under cross- examination lie asserted that six out of seven claims submitted of this kind had been granted, which showed that " ex-servicemen have on the whole been fairly and even generously treated." But members were not satisfied and the question will certainly be raised again. There is a widespread feeling that as the burden of pensions with each year substantially diminishes there is no excuse for not erring on the side of generosity in the treatment Of the pension. cases that remain.
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