§ MR. COURTHOPE (Sussex, Rye)To ask the Secretary to the Admiralty whether he is aware that first class Petty Officer George Howe died recently in Hastings Hospital after undergoing a number of surgical operations, that George Howe had served in the Royal Navy for twenty years, and was, at the time of his death, serving as a coastguard at Bexhill, that his widow and four young children are unprovided for, and are dependent upon private charity; and whether the Admiralty propose to make any provision for the widow and children.
(Answered by Mr. Edmund Robertson.) This second class petty officer (commissioned boatman) had only seventeen years seven days service counting towards pension. He died on active service, and there is therefore nothing due on account of pension, and the widow and children are not eligible for assistance from naval funds. He was, however, entitled to £2 good-conduct gratuity, and steps will be taken to pay this to the widow. No provision in the shape of pension or gratuity can be made from the funds at Greenwich Hospital for the widow, as Howe's death was not attributable to accident or extraordinary exposure or exertion on duty. The children are eligible for consideration for admission to homes at the expense of Greenwich Hospital, and application may be made on their behalf to the Admiralty, stating their names and ages.