HC Deb 18 November 1918 vol 110 cc3182-4
29. Sir J. BUTCHER

asked the Pensions Minister whether the decision recently arrived at in respect to the officers and men of the Merchant Service by the trustees of the King's Fund for disabled officers and men covers the whole of the officers and men of the Merchant Service; and, if not, what exceptions are made?

The MINISTER of PENSIONS (Mr. Hodge)

The decision covers only those officers and men of the Mercantile Marine who signed on for the period of the War and are under naval discipline. It is only to that extent that the Mercantile Marine is pensionable by my Department.

Sir J. BUTCHER

Are the whole of the officers and men entitled to share?

Mr. HODGE

The decision covers only those officers and men of the Mercantile Marine who signed on for the period of the War?

Sir J. BUTCHER

How many officers and men of the Mercantile Marine will be excluded from sharing in this way by this decision?

Mr. HODGE

I cannot give the number. It is quite impossible.

32. Sir C. HENRY

asked the Pensions Minister whether he is aware that it was the policy of the Government that pensions and grants to members of the military and naval forces who were disabled either through wounds or illnesses contracted during the War should be a charge upon the State; and, if so, if he will explain why the King's Fund is promoted and furthered through the Ministry of Pensions?

Mr. HODGE

I am aware of the fact stated, but I am not aware that when a disabled man has received his pension or grant from the State no one else may do anything to help him. If that is the policy of the Government it has been badly expressed, because Section 6 of the Naval and Military War Pensions (Administrative Expenses) Act, 1917, empowers the Minister of Pensions to receive gifts of money and apply them for the benefit of disabled officers and men. That Section supplies the sufficient answer to the last part of my hon. Friend's question.

Sir C. HENRY

Does the right hon. Gentleman consider that the provisions of the Act give him the right to administer through the Ministry of Pensions a State fund and not a fund raised by voluntary subscriptions?

Mr. HODGE

The fund to which the hon. Member refers is something which the State cannot provide and is not expected to provide, but is supplemental to what the State does.

Sir C. HENRY

Then could not the Statute be used to give disablement benefit to these disabled sailors and soldiers by starting some form of credit bank?

Mr. HODGE

Disablement pensions are given to disabled men under the Royal Warrant. The voluntary fund is to enable disabled men to start in business.

Sir C. HENRY

rose—

Mr. SPEAKER

The hon. Member had better put down any further questions which he wishes to ask.