§ MR. SLOANI beg to ask the Secretary of State for War if he will consider the advisability of withdrawing the Government Circular (No. 7227 | 01), dated 29th April, 1901, dealing with Army pensioners in district asylums; and in the event of the asylum authorities not claiming either the pension or the grant, the regulations will be framed so as to permit of the capitation grant of 4s. per week being refunded to dependent relatives.
§ THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY TO THE WAR OFFICE (Mr. BROMLEY DAVENPORT, Cheshire, Macclesfield)Under the Superannuation Act, 1887, a stoppage is required from the pensions of all lunatics towards whose maintenance a contribution is made out of moneys provided by Parliament. Such contributions, if claimable, is paid to the local authorities, whether claimed or not by the asylum authorities. If, therefore, the pensions were not abated to the extent of the contribution, the State would be paying twice over for the pensioner"s maintenance. The circular mentioned is in accordance with the Statutes, and cannot be withdrawn.
§ MR. SLOANMay I ask the hon. Gentleman whether, in view of the resolutions passed by the District Asylums Committee, he will consider the desirability of giving the committee the power they ask for.
§ MR. BROMLEY DAVENPORTThey have full power to deal with any money allotted to them. By statute these pensions have to be paid to the local authority.