HC Deb 02 December 1920 vol 135 cc1404-5
5. Mr. W. SHAW

asked the Minister of Pensions whether a decision has yet been arrived at regarding pensions for widows of officers in the Mercantile Marine who died whilst on service with the Admiralty, and if he can state approximately the number of such widows; and whether he is aware that, in view of the fact that the war risks associations, the Admiralty, and the owners refuse to countenance any claims for compensation or pensions, these widows are in great distress?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the ADMIRALTY (Colonel Sir James Craig)

I have been asked to reply to this question. Widows of officers of the Mercantile Marine in the direct pay of the Admiralty, whose death can be proved to be attributable to or accelerated by service during the War, are entitled to pensions under the Injuries in War Compensation Acts, 1914. The widows of such of these officers as were employed under definite agreements to serve on any vessel for the duration of the War are granted pensions by the Ministry of Pensions at the same rates as those payable to widows of naval officers. The widows of officers not so serving are entitled to pensions under the Admiralty Scheme of Compensation framed under the Act mentioned, and approximately 120 of such pensions are at present in course of payment from naval funds.

Sir A. SHIRLEY BENN

Am I to understand from that that the widows of the men who served in the Mercantile Marine are entitled to a pension?

Sir J. CRAIG

Yes, if they were in the direct pay of the Admiralty.

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that many of these widows are in great distress? Is he also aware of the very solemn pledge of the Prime Minister to the head of the seamen's organisation that the very first of the reparation money received from Germany should be given to that organisation, and will the hon. and gallant Gentleman undertake to remind the Prime Minister of his pledge?

Sir J. CRAIG

I think that is quite unnecessary, because, as I said, all those who come under this are being dealt with.

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that many of these poor ladies are in great distress, and would not an augmentation of their pensions be very desirable?

Mr. HAYDAY

Is it not the fact that these donations are only applicable to those having definite service under the Admiralty, and not generally to the Mercantile Service?

Sir J. CRAIG

Quite.

Mr. HAYDAY

That being so, may not the point put by my hon. and gallant Friend be worth consideration; what, too, may I ask, becomes of the promises as to reparation money being paid to the dependants of the deceased Mercantile Marine seamen who were not directly under the Admiralty?

Sir J. CRAIG

Of course, the hon. Gentleman understands that I can only deal in my Department with those cases that come under the Admiralty.

Mr. DONALD

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that I have two cases in hand where men of the Mercantile Marine lost their lives, and both the Admiralty and the owners refuse compensation, and that the widows are in poor circumstances?