HC Deb 30 November 1916 vol 88 cc480-2
92. Mr. SCANLAN

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether Petty Officer (First Class) Thomas Hale, of His Majesty's ship "Tiger" residing at Easkey, county Sligo, who was wounded in the Jutland battle, and sustained, amongst other injuries, the loss of his right eye, has been permanently disabled, and that the only pension he is receiving is 14s. 5d. a week; on what basis the pension is computed; and whether, considering the increased cost of the necessaries of life, the Admiralty can see their way to grant an increase and give Hale the maximum pension?

Dr MACNAMARA

The pension of 14s. 5d. a week is based on the medical assessment of five-tenths earning incapacity, allowances being included in respect of two badges and service as petty officer. A gratuity of £5 was also awarded in respect of minor injuries sustained some time ago. The present award covers the period from discharge to 3rd October, 1917, shortly before which date Hale will be re-surveyed with reference to further pension to be awarded, which, as Hale has lost an eye, will not be less than 12s. 5d. a week for life. The Admiralty has no power to take into account the increased cost of the necessaries of life in assessing pensions.

Mr. SCANLAN

Is it the case that this man has been paid less than he would have been paid if he had been serving in the Army? Is it the case that the Admiralty is less generous than the Army in making- gratuities and pensions to soldiers?

Dr. MACNAMARA

I do not think so, but I will look at this particular case side by side with a case of absolutely corresponding circumstances in the Army and consult with my hon. Friend.

102 and 103. Mr. HOGGE

asked the Secretary to the Local Government Board (1) whether any decision has yet been arrived at with regard to the allowances paid to dependants of apprentices; and (2) whether he can now state the decision arrived at with regard to the separation allowances of dependants of apprentices?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the LOCAL GOVERNMENT BOARD (Mr. Hayes Fisher)

As the hon. Member is aware, the Regulation framed by the Statutory Committee with regard to this matter has been the subject of communication between the Committee and the Treasury. The Committee have now received from the Treasury their approval to the Regulation in the form in which it was finally submitted to them. The Statutory Committee will issue the Regulation in the course of a few days, and I will send the hon. Member a copy of it.

Sir J. JARDINE

Will the allowances be retrospective?

Mr. HAYES FISHER

I would rather have notice of that question.