§ 35. Sir J. D. REESasked the Pensions Minister whether he is aware that the widow of Private Daniel Spriggs, No. 304757, Labour Battalion, who died of wounds on 18th February, has not yet received any pension or gratuity, though it is not denied that she is entitled thereto and has duly applied therefor; and will he expedite the disposal of her application?
§ The MINISTER of PENSIONS (Mr. Hodge)Mrs. Spriggs was separated from her husband, and not maintained by him at the time of his enlistment; consequently she did not receive separation allowance, and is not eligible for pension under Article 11 of the Royal Warrant. It is now found that she had obtained a 1109 separation allowance against her husband for 5s. 6d. a week, and accordingly a pension of that amount has now been awarded to her under Article 19 of the Warrant. She is already in receipt of an allowance of 6s. 8d. a week for her child. The gratuity of £5 is not payable in the case of a woman living apart from her husband.
§ Sir J. D. REESIs it fair to Mrs. Spriggs? She may have had good reason for leaving her husband.