14. GINNELLasked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether Irish dependants of soldiers in the British Army are given any increased allowance on adverse change of circumstances; if so, what increased allowance is due to Mrs. Bridget Wilson, Streete, Westmeath, a widow these five months, now destitute, mother and dependant of John Wilson, No. 10346, Leinster Regiment, Salonika; and, having regard to her debts incurred in the burial of her husband and her own maintenance, whether the arrears will be paid immediately?
§ The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the WAR OFFICE (Mr. Forster)No allowance is issuable from Army funds in the circumstances mentioned in the question, but the local war pensions, etc., committee may, subject to conditions, grant a special separation allowance in cases where, owing to the death of the father or other relative who was the chief means of support of the family to which the soldier belongs, the responsibility for the maintenance of the home would have fallen upon the soldier.
§ Mr. GINNELLWill the hon. Gentleman say to whom application is to be made in these cases?
§ Mr. FORSTERI think to the secretary of the local war pensions committee.