HC Deb 20 November 1918 vol 110 cc3423-4
13. Sir F. HALL

asked the Pensions Minister whether he has yet considered the case of Mrs. E. D. Allum, of 152, Dunstans Road, East Dulwich, the wife of Private Allum, No. 14852, 13th East Surrey Regiment, who was returned from France in 1916 suffering from rheumatic fever and was transferred to 696 Division Agricultural Depot, Labour Corps, Chichester; and whether, considering the hardships and privations that this woman has been called upon to bear, he will state if the grant of 9s. a week to Mrs. Allum, which was sanctioned two years ago, can now be augmented in view of the increased cost of all the necessaries of life since that date?

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

The local war pensions committee have made a temporary grant of 5s. a week in respect of the illness of Mrs. Allum's child, and are considering her case with a view to an increase, if possible, in the continuing allowance.

Sir F. HALL

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that I wrote on 5th October, and again on 4th November, in regard to this case to the Ministry of Pensions; and is he aware of the fact that I have not even received so much as an acknowledgment of these letters?

Sir A. GRIFFITH-BOSCAWEN

This is a matter which is dealt with by the special grants committee, and the letters are passed over to them.

Sir F. HALL

Then under the circumstances will my hon. and gallant Friend give instructions to the special grants committee that, at all events, letters that are written in regard to sad cases shall receive a little more attention than they have had heretofore?

Sir A. GRIFFITH-BOSCAWEN

I shall certainly convey that opinion to the special grants committee, but I am bound to say, speaking generally, that I think they do pay a great deal of attention to cases of this kind.