81. Mr. J. JONESasked the Pensions Minister what steps he is prepared to take to carry into effect Circular 66, of March, 1918, providing for the care of motherless children; whether he is aware that in West Ham over fifty children of men who have lost their lives in the War are under the care of the local Poor Law guardians; and whether he is prepared to take steps to see that these children are removed from these institutions and placed in proper homes under the care of the Ministry of Pensions?
§ The MINISTER of PENSIONS (Sir L. Worthington - Evans)Steps are being taken to set up the administrative machinery under the Special Grants Committee necessary to carry into effect the statutory powers under Section 9 of the War Pensions (Administrative Provisions) Act, 1918, and to make provision for the care of orphans of ex-Service men and children of serving soldiers to whom the Act applies. I am communicating with the local war pensions committee with a view to their taking immediate action in regard to the children referred to by the hon. Member.