HC Deb 15 May 1918 vol 106 cc342-3
22. Sir MONTAGUE BARLOW

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that Gunner Thomas Gent, No. 81,804, Royal Field Artillery, since transferred to the Military Foot Police, allotted his mother, Mrs. Gent, of 40, Nashville Street, Ordsall Park, Salford, 3s. 6d. on 4th October, 1916, and that he was the only support at home before he enlisted; and will he explain why Mrs. Gent is still in receipt of no Government allowance beyond the 3s. 6d. though he has been serving over eighteen months?

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

Mrs. Gent's claim to dependant's allowance was duly investigated, but was disallowed on the ground that she was not shown to be dependant on her son before enlistment. Mrs. Gent was so informed by the Paymaster in May, 1917, and by the War Office in June, 1917, and was at the same time advised that it was open to her to appeal against the decision on a form obtainable at any post office.

99. Mr. HOGGE

asked whether, in view of the fact that the local war pensions committees are now taking over the functions of the civil liabilities committees with regard to liabilities under £30, he can say on what basis Grants will be made?

The MINISTER of PENSIONS (Mr. Hodge)

It is hardly possible for me to explain, within the limits of a reply, the basis on which these Grants will be made, and I am, therefore, sending the hon. Member a copy of the circular issued to local committees by my Department, in which the conditions governing the Grants are fully explained.

100. Mr. HOGGE

asked whether an award of alternative pension to a widow is retrospective to the date of the warrant on the assumption that claim is made in respect of the husband killed prior to that date, but to whose case the warrant applies?

Mr. HODGE

If a widow makes application for an alternative pension within three months of the cessation of separation allowance the award will take effect, as from the date of her "widow's pension." If she was in receipt of a widow's pension but could not claim an alternative pension under the old warrant and now becomes entitled to claim an alternative pension under the new warrant the award will take effect from 1st May if the application is made within three months of that date. I may add that widows' alternative pensions now current at the old rates will be re-assessed as speedily as possible, effect being given to the new rates as from 1st May.