HC Deb 10 April 1919 vol 114 c2193
6. Mr. HOGGE

asked the Pensions Minister why the death gratuity of £5 is not admissible in the case of unmarried wives of soldiers?

The MINISTER of PENSIONS (Sir Laming Worthington-Evans)

The Royal Warrant makes provision for unmarried wives on the basis of dependency, but does not extend to them the full benefits payable to soldiers' widows. The £5 grant is payable only to soldiers' widows.

Mr. HOGGE

That is what I am asking, why the gratuity is not paid in those circumstances?

Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANS

I thought the hon. Member would probably know it was not included in the Warrant and that is why it is not payable.

Mr. HOGGE

That is why I put down the question whether in view of the fact that these unmarried wives have the same hardships when their husbands are killed he cannot grant the £5 death gratuity in these cases as in the ordinary cases?

Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANS

I think it has been the considered policy that the slight differences between unmarried wives and widows should be retained.