HC Deb 25 February 1918 vol 103 cc1087-9
16. Mr. BILLING

asked the Pensions Minister whether he is now in a position to state whether it is proposed to bring the pensions of discharged and disabled soldiers in previous wars in which this country has been engaged into line with the pensions granted to discharged and disabled soldiers in this War : and, if so, will he state when this Order is to come into force?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of PENSIONS (Sir A. Griffith-Boscawen)

I hope very shortly to be able to announce the terms of a new Royal Warrant dealing with this subject.

Mr. BILLING

Can the hon. Gentleman say when that is likely to take place?

Sir A. GRIFFITH-BOSCAWEN

I cannot say precisely. I said very shortly.

17. Captain SHEEHAN

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware that several demands have been made by Mrs. Mary Sullivan, of Umeraboy, Knocknagree, county Cork, for dependant's pension due to her in respect of the late Private Daniel Sullivan, No. 375,089, Royal Munster Fusiliers, from 15th June, 1917, to 4th December, 1917; can he explain why no reply was given to the letters written regarding this claim, and why its payment has been delayed?

Sir A. GRIFFITH-BOSCAWEN

I have not been able to trace the receipt in my Department of the several demands and inquiries to which the hon. Member refers. Payment of Mrs. Sullivan's pension was first made on the 6th December last, and the arrears due to her, which were withheld pending inquiry as to advances made by the local committee, have now been paid.

Mr. HOGGE

Can my hon. Friend say whether arrangements have been made for answering letters promptly at Chelsea, and may we expect answers inside of a week?

Sir A. GRIFFITH-BOSCAWEN

The whole of that matter is now being considered, and steps are being taken, and I hope that there will be a great improvement shortly in that direction.

37. Mr. HOGGE

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether civil liabilities grants have been reduced as a result of the recent increases in Army pay notwithstanding that it was explicitly stated, at the time that such pay was increased, that it would not affect the civil liabilities grant?

The PRESIDENT of the LOCAL GOVERNMENT BOARD (Mr. Hayes Fisher)

No grants have been reduced as a result of the general increase of soldiers' pay. Where reductions have been made these have been in view of special rates of pay in individual cases.

Mr. HOGGE

So I may assume what I infer in my question is right, that there can be no reduction on account of recent increases?

Mr. FISHER

My hon. Friend must only assume that there can be no reductions on account of the general increase.

Mr. HOGGE

That is the recent one?

15. Sir GILBERT PARKER

asked the Minister of Pensions whether the amounts paid for pensions to the widows and orphans of soldiers and sailors are less than the amount paid as allotment and separation allowances; and, if so, seeing that the pensions ought to approximate to those allotment and separation allowances, whether the whole question will be reconsidered?

Sir A. GRIFFITH-BOSCAWEN

In certain circumstances the amount of the pension and children's allowances is less than the amount of separation allowances and allotment, while in other cases it amounts to more. The whole question of children's allowances is at present under consideration.

Mr. HOGGE

Is it not the fact that the majority of cases of widows and children do actually receive less than they received in separation allowances?

Sir A. GRIFFITH-BOSCAWEN

Yes, I believe that in the majority of cases that is so.