§ 23. Mr. STURROCKasked the Pensions Minister the number of pensions which have been awarded under Article 15 of the Royal Warrant on Pensions; whether these are of a temporary nature and amount to 15s. weekly to widows and no allowances for children are provided for in this Article; and whether the pensions will be assessed on a proportionate basis to widows whose pensions are awarded under Article 11 or a war bonus added owing to the increased cost of the necessaries of life?
§ Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANSThe number awarded is approximately 1,000. The temporary pension granted under Article 15 of the Royal Warrant to a widow whose husband's death was in no way connected with his military service is a gratuity given in circumstances which cannot be said to justify a claim for assistance from the State. It was not intended to be a maintenance grant, and was, therefore, excluded from the scope of the 20 per cent, bonus.
§ 24. Mr. STURROCKasked the Pensions Minister whether he is aware that Private James Law, No. 2013, 5th Black Watch, died at a camp at Hawick in April, 1915, through being choked while at a meal; that he was buried with full military honours; that his widow, Mrs. Law, Smithy Croft, Arbroath, is in receipt of a temporary pension of 15s. weekly, while no allowances are given for his child; and that the deceased soldier heroically rescued from drowning, at great danger to his own life, a comrade who had fallen into a rushing mill tide; and whether he will explain why Mrs. Law is not receiving full pension?
§ Sir L. WORTHINGTON - EVANSPrivate Law's death could not be ascribed to his military service, and, therefore, it was only possible to grant to his widow the temporary pension under Article 15 of the Royal Warrant.
§ Mr. SPEAKERcalled upon Sir Clement Kinloch-Cooke to ask question No. 25.
§ Major O'NEILLBefore this question is put, may I ask the Prime Minister whether he is aware that, as the first question answered by him on Thursday is No. 25, the effect of it is, as I stated last week, that no Irish question can be answered verbally?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThat is not relevant to the question on the Paper.
§ Major O'NEILLOn a point of Order. May I ask you, Sir, how I can raise this point?
§ Mr. SPEAKERIf the hon. and gallant Member will put his question down in the ordinary way, as other Members do.