HC Deb 11 December 1900 vol 88 cc488-9
MR. KEARLEY (Devonport)

I beg to ask the First Lord of the Treasury whether he is now able to state the details of the scheme by which the Government purpose making provision by pensions for the widows, orphans, and dependents of those killed in the South African and other campaigns; and whether any financial proposals in furtherance of such scheme are contemplated this session.

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

The main features of a scheme have been settled, and the committee is now arranging details. The work is nearly done, and provision will be made for carrying out the scheme in the Estimates for the coming year.

MR. McKENNA (Monmouthshire, N.)

Will the scheme be retrospective in its action? Will payments be made as from the date of the resolution of the House or the date of the scheme coming into operation?

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

Neither date will have anything to do with it; everybody who is qualified will secure the benefit who has suffered the loss of a relative in the war, which dates from 11th October last year.

MR. T. M. HEALY (Louth, N.)

Will Irish workhouses be recouped for payments made?

MR. KEARLEY

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the dependents of many of the men killed have long been in very necessitous circumstances, and the need of help is therefore urgent?