HC Deb 19 February 1920 vol 125 cc1039-40
54. Mr. HOPKINS

asked the Prime Minister if he has sanctioned the reduction to 10s. a week of the allowance to Mrs. M'Clusky, who lost a leg and a hand and received other injuries in an air raid; and whether he will consider the advisability of granting an adequate allowance in this case?

Mr. BALDWIN

An ex-gratia allowance at the rate of 10s. per week was awarded to Mrs. M'Clusky recently. The earlier payments to which the hon. Member refers were made during her convalescence from relief funds. The award was made after the fullest examination of all the circumstances of the case.

Mr. HOPKINS

Does the hon. Gentleman realise that convalescence will not restore the loss of half her leg? Is it not a fact that these payments for injuries are to be made ultimately from the reparation received from Germany, and is there any reason why we should starve our own people in the meantime, in order to save the German people?

Mr. KILEY

Can the hon. Gentleman say for what purpose the Prince of Wales' Fund was established if not to meet these sort of cases?

Mr. BALDWIN

This case has received a considerable amount of relief for a very long period from the local relief committee, from money derived from the National Relief Fund. The sums which have been granted as an ex-gratia allowance- is a permanent allowance in accordance with the promise made about two years ago by the Leader of the House in respect of compensation for injuries in air raids.