HC Deb 18 February 1918 vol 103 cc467-8
67. Mr. PENNEFATHER

asked the Pensions Minister whether the cost of a blanket in which a soldier killed in battle is buried is deducted from his widow's pension?

The MINISTER of PENSIONS (Mr. Hodge)

I am obliged to the hon. Member for furnishing me with the opportunity of giving an emphatic denial to this allegation, which I have observed in the Press. The idea is a shocking one, and its circulation harmful and disgraceful.

68 Mr. PENNEFATHER

asked the Pensions Minister whether Army Form 3529, relating to pensions of discharged men liable to be recalled to the Colours under the Review of Exceptions Act, was approved of by the Ministry of Pensions before issue; (2) whether discharged men who have signed Army Form 3529 are in any way differently treated as regards pensions to men who have not signed it; if so, will he state precisely what the difference is; if not, will he explain the object of asking men to sign a form relating to their pensions when it was immaterial whether they signed it or not; and (3) whether the fact of a man having signed Army Form 3529, prior to rejoining the Colours, has any prejudicial effects upon any rights he might otherwise have had under paragraphs 1 or 2 of Army Council Instruction 1131 of 1917, or under 1502 of 1917?

Mr. HODGE

Any disability pension due to a re-enlisted soldier will be paid to him whether or not he has signed Army Form 3529, which I have seen neither before nor after publication, and of which, in fact, I know nothing whatever.

Mr. HOGGE

Is it not the fact that the man concerned can also apply for a renewal of his pension when it expires?

Mr. HODGE

Exactly.

Mr. P. A. HARRIS

Will the right hon. Gentleman arrange to issue a form to deal with these matters?

Mr. HODGE

I cannot undertake that.