HC Deb 08 February 1915 vol 69 cc232-3
39. Sir CLEMENT KINLOCH-COOKE

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he will say what is the position of widows of dockyardsmen called up for service and who are killed on the battlefield; are these widows entitled to any compensation for the loss they sustain owing to the stopping of the money they were receiving from the dockyard authorities; can he say whether, in the case of an established man, the money he has paid on behalf of his pension will be returned with interest to the widow; if not, what is to become of that money for which the Government have given no return; and will he also say what is the position with regard to compensation under the new scheme when a man is killed on the battlefield and is still receiving pay for his services as a dockyardsman?

Dr. MACNAMARA

If the hon. Member will permit me I will circulate the answer with the Votes.—[See Written Answers this date.]

Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKE

In the case of a man killed after he has left the dockyard: will his widow be in a worse position than she would have been if he had been killed in the dockyard?

Dr. MACNAMARA

On the whole I think she would be better off, and certainly better than if her husband had been a civilian who has joined the Colours. I would rather have the whole thing stated fully.