HC Deb 10 April 1922 vol 153 cc43-4
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.