§ 74. Mr. BILLINGasked the Pensions Minister whether many widows of Soldiers and sailors are not enjoying the State benefits to which they are entitled owing to lack of knowledge as to the procedure to be adopted to obtain them; and whether, in these circumstances, he will give instructions that a simple statement as to the procedure to be adopted in these cases shall be prepared and issued to the women concerned through the medium of the post offices?
§ Sir J. CRAIGSteps have already been taken to bring to the notice of widows the State benefits which they may claim. Every widow and dependant receives from the Pensions Issue Office a booklet which contains information regarding pensions and allowances for widows. A handbook devoted solely to widows and dependants is being prepared, and will soon be issued.
§ Mr. BILLINGWould the hon. Gentleman answer the latter part of the question and say whether the Ministry are prepared to do it through the Post Office; and is he aware that there is great ignorance among the widows of soldiers and sailors as to what they are entitled to or how they are to make their claims?
§ Sir J. CRAIGI will carefully consider the suggestion whether something might not be done through the Post Office. I can assure the hon. Gentleman that it is our desire to give the greatest possible publicity.
§ 75. Mr. BILLINGasked the Pensions Minister whether, having regard to the constantly increasing cost of necessities, he is prepared to reconsider the position and the pensions of war widows?
§ Sir J. CRAIGI cannot admit the statement of fact in the question. I hope the time has come when the cost of necessities will gradually decrease.
§ Mr. BILLINGHas the hon. and gallant Gentleman considered the advisability of doing something so that these women may have the wherewithal to live, seeing that any decrease in the price of commodities is problematic?
§ Sir J. CRAIGI was under the impression that there was a gradual decrease.
§ Mr. BILLINGNot in necessities.