§ 15. Mr. A. GREENWOODasked the Minister of Pensions whether, when a pensioner dies as a result of a disability due to war service, his widow automatically receives a pension or whether no action is taken by his Department until the widow submits an application for pension?
§ Major TRYONThe widow of an ex-service man (whether he was in receipt of a pension or not) has to make her claim through the local office, where every assistance is given to her in its preparation. Where the death occurs from the disability for which pension had been granted, and the widow is eligible by reason of the date of her marriage, the local officer is empowered to make weekly advances at once pending the decision, in order to avoid any break in the continuity of payment.
§ Mr. GREENWOODIf the Minister of Pensions has admitted the claim of an ex-service man, is it not reasonable to ask that the claim of his widow should be automatically recognised?
§ Major TRYONIt is, of course, necessary that the matter should be got through as rapidly as possible, but the hon. Member knows quite well that, if a 1275 man has married long after his disability, the widow would not be eligible for pension, and, therefore, it is necessary to inquire whether she is, for this purpose, eligible for pension.
§ Mr. GREENWOODIs not the onus upon the Ministry rather than upon the widow?