§ MR. M'KENNA (Monmouthshire, N.)I beg to ask the First Lord of the Treasury if he can state what steps have yet been taken in pursuance of the resolution of the House of Tuesday, 1st May, relating to compensation for injuries to soldiers and sailors.
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURAs regards soldiers killed in action or dying of wounds received or disease contracted on active service the Government propose to ask Parliament for a grant for pensions to widows, with allowances to children, as soon as the necessary rules can be drawn up by a small committee of experts. Such a system already exists with regard to the widows and children of men in the Royal Navy and Marines, and both soldiers and sailors are entitled to allowances while disabled from wounds or disease. If this plan is carried out, all subscriptions by the public will be available as additions to such pensions and allowances as may be found desirable after inquiry by local committees or otherwise in the circumstances of each particular case, so that the intention of subscribers will be fulfilled. This is the course recommended by the War Relief Fund Committee.
§ MR. M'KENNAWill Parliament be asked to make provision for this purpose this session?
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURNo, Sir; no Vote will be taken this session.
§ MR. M'KENNAWill the compensation be equivalent to that given under the Workmen's Compensation Act?
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURI think the two cases are quite different.