Mr Major’s Written Parliamentary Answer on War Pensions (Staff) – 21 October 1985

Below is the text of Mr Major’s written Parliamentary Answer on War Pensions (Staff) on 21st October 1985.

Mr. Wigley Asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he is satisfied that the medical branch of the war pensions department of his Department has an adequate number of doctors on its staff to undertake its work effectively; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Major Recent delays in processing war pensions claims and appeals have been caused partly by difficulties in recruiting medical officers. In the last few months a number have been recruited and by mid November we expect that all of the 15 posts at the war pensions branch will be filled. The number of claimants to war pensions awaiting medical decisions has already been reduced to less than half the number six months ago. Provided that successful medical recruitment continues, we are satisfied that the number of doctors will be sufficient to eliminate the delays.