§ 55. Mr. FALLEasked the Secretary to the Admiralty the amount of compensation and pension proposed to be paid to the widow of Chief Yeoman of Signals Pook, who lost his life in the execution of his duty in the recent fire at Portsmouth Dockyard?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the ADMIRALTY (Dr. Macnamara)The compensation awarded to the widow of the late Chief Yeoman Pook is a gratuity of £219 1s. The award has been made under the provisions of the Government scheme framed under the Workmen's Compensation Act. As her husband was employed as a civilian, Mrs. Pook is ineligible for a pension.
§ Mr. FALLEIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that had Chief Yeoman Pook taken more thought of his life and less of his duty he could, in all probability, have saved his life, and will he take that fact into consideration, and under the peculiar circumstances award further compensation?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAThe only assistance possible is that to which I have referred, the gratuity from the scheme under the Workmen's Compensation Act.