§ 18. Mr. HOHLERasked whether the compensation payable to widows and dependants under the provisions of the injuries, etc., in the war compensation scheme is less than the compensation payable under the pensions warrants to sailors and soldiers; and, if so, will he take steps to increase the former?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAAs suggested by my hon. Friend, the compensation allowable to widows and dependants under the Injuries in War Compensation Scheme, which is on a civilian basis, is less beneficial than the scale applicable to the cases of sailors and soldiers by the Ministry of Pensions. Improvements in the rates of compensation payable under the scheme have recently been approved, but there is no intention of assimilating the two scales.
§ Mr. HOHLERIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that in the case of some of those who have lost their lives their widows have only received 15s., and will he take steps to rectify this?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAWidows and orphans are now on the basis of the Service scale, but I could not say off-hand whether those mentioned come into that category.
§ Mr. HOHLERI have raised the point before with my right hon. Friend, and all I can get is 15s., which is quite inadequate. Will the right hon. Gentleman look into it?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAI will.