§ 71. Mr. HARRY LAWSONasked whether the right hon. Gentleman's attention has been called to the death of Lead- 483 ing-seaman Charles Anderson, who served in the Royal Navy for twenty-three and a half years with a first-rate character; whether his widow has any claim to a compassionate allowance; and, if not, whether, in consideration of the destitute condition of his family owing to his being out of employment, any such allowance can be made?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAThe late Charles Anderson had a total length of service of twenty-three years two hundred and fifty-four days, of which twenty years sixty-nine days counted for pension. He was discharged from the service on completion of time for pension with the rating of A.B., and was in receipt at the time of his death of a pension of £16 15s. a year. His widow has no claim to any compassionate allowance, and I regret that there are no funds at the disposal of the Admiralty from which she can be given assistance. If, however, there are any children between the ages of eight and fourteen in the ease of boys, and nine and twelve in the case of girls, application for their admission to orphanages or schools at the expense of Greenwich Hospital, could be considered. I will hand my hon. Friend the forms of application, but it must be understood that I can give no undertaking in the matter.