HC Deb 23 September 1915 vol 74 cc563-4
54. Mr. HOGGE

asked, the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to the fact that the Select Committee on Pensions differentiated between the ways in which an officer may be killed and the corresponding pension due to him, and that no such differentiation appeared in the Report dealing with men; and whether he will provide an opportunity on an early adjournment, to be moved by the Government, to enable the House to debate the question?

The PRIME MINISTER

My hon. Friend will find various opportunities of raising this point in the ordinary course of business.

Mr. HOGGE

Can the right hon. Gentleman say why the Committee have differentiated in the case of pensions of officers killed in certain circumstances, and not those of men?

The PRIME MINISTER

I believe that difference has always existed.

Mr. HOGGE

Why should it continue to exist?

The PRIME MINISTER

That is a matter of debate.

63. Mr. WING

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office the position of a widow who was dependent on her son for support before the War; and whether she will receive financial aid, and in what way and to what amount?

Mr. FORSTER

Full particulars with regard to separation allowance for dependants of soldiers are contained in a pamphlet which is obtainable at any post office, of which I will send the hon. Member a copy.

Colonel YATE

May I ask the hon. Gentleman if the same separation allowance will be granted to officers' dependants—mothers of officers, for instance?

Mr. FORSTER

I do not think that arises out of this question.

65. Mr. HOGGE

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether he is aware that the Soldiers' and Sailors' Help Society are enabled to assist disabled men for one month only; whether this month is to enable the pension authority to fix the amount of the disablement pension; whether there are many cases where this is not done inside that limit of time; and whether he will say what steps are taken to provide for these disabled men between the expiry of the month and the final fixing of the pension?

Mr. FORSTER

Apart from possible failure in exceptional cases, disability pensions to soldiers are fixed and in course of payment in a much shorter interval than one month from date of discharge.