HC Deb 10 April 1919 vol 114 cc2195-6
11. Mr. F. C. THOMSON

asked the Pensions Minister whether, seeing that the widows of officers killed during the War were not informed individually or by any direct means of the system of granting alternative pensions, and in many cases are still ignorant of it, he can see his way to alter the rule that alternative pensions can only be granted from the date of application there for?

Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANS

If the application for alternative pension is made within three months of the notification of the award of the flat-rate pension, payment is made with arrears from the day following the death. In other cases, payment is made as from the date of application. In view of the difficulty which a postponement of the application occasions in the investigation of the claim, I do not consider that any relaxation of the rule can be made. The provision of alternative pension was given full publicity when the Warrant was published in August, 1917, and three months' grace was then allowed.

Mr. THOMSON

Is there no way of notifying each widow who might have a claim of her rights, as in many cases widows have not found out until just the other day?

Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANS

I will consider whether it is possible to call each widow's attention to the matter, but there has been great publicity already given to the fact that widows are entitled in certain cases to claim alternative pensions, and the hon. Member's question to-day will add to the publicity.

Mr. STURROCK

What does the hon. Gentleman mean as to full publicity having been given?

Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANS

There have been statements in the Press, which are the usual means of publicity, following questions and answers in this House.

Mr. HOGGE

What is to hinder the right hon. Gentleman during the six months which elapse between the death of the husband and the close of the separation allowance in the case of an ordinary soldier telling the widow she has that claim and arriving at a decision before the expiry of the six months?

Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANS

I want the widow who is entitled to an alternative pension to have an alternative pension, and I will see whether it is possible to give each widow some direct and personal notice of her rights.