HC Deb 06 November 1912 vol 43 cc1235-6
1. Sir JOHN JACKSON

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he will state the number of officers and men who lost their lives in the sinking of the Submarine B 2; what pensions have been awarded by the Admiralty to the widows and dependants of those men; from what date did these pensions start; and whether any claim made to the Admiralty has been rejected; and, if so, for what reason?

2. Mr. FELL

asked what are the pensions allowed to the widows and children of the officers and men who lost their lives in the Submarine B 2 off Dover?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the ADMIRALTY (Dr. Macnamara)

The widow of the late Lieutenant Percy B. O'Brien has been awarded a pension of £65. As far as the widows and children of the petty officers and men are concerned, pensions (at rates varying from 9s. to 5s. per week, according to the husband's ratings), have been granted to seven widows of petty officers and men, and allowances (at rates of 2s. or 1s. 6d. a week) have been granted in respect of fourteen children. The pensions and allowances are dated from 5th October, the day after the sinking of the submarine. Further, gratuities of £54 15s. and £30 8s. 4d. have been granted to the father of a stoker petty officer and to the mother of an able seaman respectively. There is one claim still outstanding, the validity of which it has not yet been found possible to determine. But the matter will be settled immediately, and I do not think I shall be raising hopes which may not be realised when I say that I think we shall be able in this case to grant a gratuity.

Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKE

Can the right hon. Gentleman say how far the negotiations have proceeded with the Treasury in regard to increasing the pensions and allowances to widows and the dependants of the men who have lost their lives in the service of their country in submarines?

Dr. MACNAMARA

No, I think not. I am not going to raise hopes.

Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKE

Does the right hon. Gentleman mean to withdraw what he said the other day when he stated that he was in communication with the Treasury?

Dr. MACNAMARA

I certainly do not withdraw anything I said at any time.