15. Captain COOTEasked the Pensions Minister Whether the increase in the scale of pensions granted to men disabled in wars previous to 1914 will apply to the dependants of such men and, in particular, to the compassionate allowance for officers' widows?
§ Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANSThe pensions of the widows of men killed in previous wars are at present raised to the level of pensions granted to privates widows in the present War. Widows of officers killed in previous wars will have their pensions raised in accordance with the announcement I made in the House on 3rd July last, of which I am sending the hon. and gallant Member a copy. In the Warrant which will very shortly be issued to give effect to this concession provision is also being made for increasing the compassionate allowances given to officer' widows in respect of their children.
§ 37. Mr. CASEYasked the Minister of Health whether he was aware that widows and dependants of ex-Service men might require several death certificates to enable them to claim insurance and friendly society death fees; that for each certificate a fee of 2s. 7d. is charged by the registrar of deaths; and whether some relief could be granted by reducing the charges for such certificates?
§ The MINISTER of HEALTH (Dr. Addison)The fee payable for copies of death certificates issued under the provisions of the Friendly Societies-. Acts is only Is. for the first copy and 6d. for each additional copy required at the same time. Legislation would be required for reducing either these fees or the statutory fees payable for other purposes.
§ Mr. GRUNDYIs it not possible to grant some form of certificate that would save the duplication of charges to these poor people?
§ Dr. ADDISONI will consider that suggestion.