§ 32. Mr. RENDALLasked the Pensions Minister whether he is aware that the Chipping Sodbury Pensions Committee has only just elected, under pressure of the Federation of Discharged and Demobilised Soldiers, discharged men on their committee, and have as yet placed no war widow on their committee; what is the cause of the delay; and will the Ministry use its powers to secure the carrying out of the law in this matter?
§ Mr. HODGEI am making inquiries into the circumstances referred to by the hon. Member, and will take whatever action is necessary on receipt of full information. I may point out, however, that the Chipping Sodbury Committee is a sub-committee of the local committee of Gloucestershire, and that the Naval and Military War Pensions (Committees) Act, 1917, does not require the appointment of the widow or dependant of a man who has died in military service to membership of a sub-committee.
§ Mr. RENDALLHaving in view the Bill now under consideration, will the right hon. Gentleman recommend that women should be put on?