82. Mr. ALFRED DAVIES (Clitheroe)asked the Minister of Pensions whether he will reconsider the decision not to make a compassionate grant to Mrs. Mercer, formerly the widow of Private W. F. Harder, No. 6/12,345, Loyal North Lancashire Regiment, killed in the War, and whose second husband was a pensioner who died from a disability contracted in the Great War; whether he is aware that Mrs. Mercer's sole income is 17s. 6d. per week pension for her first husband's two children; that no pension has been allowed in respect of her second husband and his child; and whether, in view of her circumstances, he will make a grant?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTER of PENSIONS (Major Tryon)I regret that an award of pension or other grant cannot be made in this case. Pension in respect of the first husband ceased on payment of the usual re-arriage gratuity and, as the second marriage took place after the soldier's discharge, the widow is ineligible for pension or other compensation from the funds of the Ministry.