HC Deb 27 June 1918 vol 107 cc1229-30
72. Mr. ALDEN

asked the Pensions Minister whether Driver H. J. Suker, of 203, Park Lane, Tottenham, No. 50393, Royal Field Artillery, 29th Reserve, who has been incapacitated since the beginning of the War, after constant medical examination has had his pension reduced from 38s. 6d., including the allowance for four children, to 11s. 4d.; and whether, seeing that the man is absolutely helpless, he will have the pension increased to the original 38s. 6d. per week?

Sir A. GRIFFITH-BOSCAWEN

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The reduction of pension from 38s. 6d. to 11s. 4d. was due to the fact that on his last examination by a medical board the man's disablement was assessed at 30 per cent. In view of the information which has been brought to my notice by the hon. Member in private correspondence, instructions have now been issued for the man's immediate re-examination by the Special Medical Board.

74. Mr. BILLING

asked the Pensions Minister whether the drawing of a dependant's allowance by a father of seventy-two years of age for a son serving disqualifies a parent, having no other means of support, from enjoying the old age pension?

Mr. BALDWIN

The receipt of a dependant's allowance does not constitute a disqualification for the grant of an old age pension, but dependant's allowance received by a claimant to an old age pension has, under the law, to be taken into account for the purpose of deciding whether on the ground of means he is entitled to pension.

Mr. BILLING

Will the hon. Gentleman say whether 13s. a week is considered a sufficient sum for disqualifying a man from getting his old age pension?

Mr. SPEAKER

Perhaps the hon. Member will give notice of that question.

99. Sir F. HALL

asked the Undersecretary of State for War if the total weekly pay of married soldiers in the London area living at home with their families under the consolidated or family allowance system, including pay, family allowance, and London area allowance, is 35s. 8d., or with one child 41s. 8d.; if the corresponding amounts in the case of a soldier on the separation allowance system of payment are 42s. 4d. and 49s. 2d., respectively; and, if this difference does exist, whether the War Office will at once take steps to level up the pay of men receiving consolidated allowances at least to that of soldiers paid the separation allowance rates, having regard to the inadequacy of the weekly pay of 35s. 8d. to enable a soldier to reasonably maintain a home under the existing abnormal conditions?

The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the WAR OFFICE (Mr. Forster)

I much regret I cannot at present add anything to my reply of the 12th instant to the hon. and gallant Member for St. Pancras West.