§ 5. Lord C. BERESFORDasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether pensions for relatives of those who are employed in the submarine and air services are on the same scale as those employed in the ordinary work of the Fleet; and, if so, whether, looking to the greater risks involved by officers and men on duty in these arms of the Service, he will consider whether the time has arrived when increased pensions should be granted to the widows and dependants of those who unfortunately lose their lives in carrying out these duties?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the ADMIRALTY (Dr. Macnamara)In the case of the widows and orphans of men, until 1903, there were two scales of pension and allowance, the lower being applicable to cases of death caused in the discharge of ordinary duty and the higher to cases of death in action. In that year, however, following upon a discussion in this House, it was decided that all pensions and allowances awarded to widows and children of men should be assessed on the higher scale applicable to death in action. As regards officers, the pensions and compassionate allowances awarded to widows and relatives are on the scale applicable to deaths in action only in the case of officers killed on flying duty. As regards the last part of the question, I can only refer the Noble Lord to what I said in reply to the hon. Member for Devonport on 19th March last, namely, that in view of the far-reaching effect of any change, it is not considered possible at present to revise the scale.
§ Mr. FALLEIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the pension to widows is five shillings per week and one shilling and sixpence for each child, and does he consider that adequate?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAThe pension for widows of able seamen and men of that rating is five shillings and one shilling and sixpence for each child; and for widows of second-class petty officers and 925 of corresponding rating, six shillings and one shilling and sixpence for each child; and for widows of first-class petty officers and corresponding rating, seven shillings and sixpence and two shillings for each child, and for widows of chief petty officers and corresponding rating, nine shillings and two shillings for each child.