§ 54. Mr. HOGGEasked the Prime Minister whether an opportunity of discussing the contemplated creation of a new Board to deal with and administer the pensions to wives and dependants, etc., of soldiers and sailors will be given to the House before such is finally sanctioned?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThis will be a matter for consideration when the further recommendations of the Select Committee have been received.
§ Mr. HOGGECan my right hon. Friend give us the assurance that no body will be set up without us being able to discuss it, such for instance as the Road Board?
§ The PRIME MINISTERNo, Sir; we cannot possibly limit the power of Parliament to discuss it.
§ 100. Sir ARCHIBALD WILLIAMSONasked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been drawn to the case of Mrs. Jane Donald, of Auldearn, Nairnshire, whose adopted son, on whom she is dependent, is serving in the 4th Cameron Highlanders; whether the adopted son has made an allotment in her favour; whether a separation allowance has been refused by the State; if so, will he say if a soldier's adopted child is regarded as his own, but the dependence of a woman on the son she adopted and brought up is not recognised; and, in that event, will he give favourable consideration to the facts with a view to paying separation allowance in this case?
§ The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the WAR OFFICE (Mr. Harold Baker)On the facts as stated this case, which has not come under my notice, is one that is met by the new definition of dependant adopted on the recommendation of the Select Committee, and Mrs. Donald should avail herself of the appeal machinery now provided.
§ Sir A. WILLIAMSONHas the hon. Gentleman not received a letter giving full particulars of this case?