§ 29. Commander BELLAIRSasked the Pensions Minister whether he is aware that in the case of two boys going to Greenwich Hospital School, the one the son of a sailor who is still alive, and the other the son of a sailor who has been killed, the first obtains his education free, whereas the Ministry of Pensions takes away from the widow the 5s. per week she gets for her boy; and whether, since this hardship is inflicted under Article 2 of the Royal Warrant and Order in Council, ho will procure a fresh Order in Council which is not oppressive to the widows of those who have fallen in the War?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of PENSIONS (Colonel Sir J. Craig)The allowance given in respect of the child of a deceased soldier or sailor is intended for its maintenance, and if the State is already maintaining the child, whether in the Army or Navy, or an institution supported by public funds, the allowance is reduced or suspended, so that there may not be double payment. This appears to be a proper provision, and my right hon. Friend does not consider that an amendment of the Article is necessary.
§ Commander BELLAIRSDoes it not amount to a discrimination that the active 2123 sailor who is still alive gets his son educated free, while the widow whose husband has been killed has 5s. a week deducted?
§ Sir J. CRAIGNo, my hon. and gallant Friend is putting the cart before the horse. You cannot expect an allowance twice over for the same service, and, as there is the difference which I have pointed out between the two cases, the practice described is followed. My hon. and gallant Friend will gather that in future children's allowances will be much in favour of the class for which he is now speaking.