HC Deb 11 July 1922 vol 156 cc1050-1
60. Mr. RHYS DAVIES

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he has had brought to his notice the fact that widows are now being refused pensions under Article 11 of the Royal Warrant because their husbands died more than seven years after discharge, although death was directly attributable to the wound, injury, or disease admitted as due to service; and whether he will take steps to amend the Royal Warrant by extending the period of eligibility, so as to prevent such cases of hardship?

65. Lord H. CAVENDISH-BENTINCK

asked the Minister of Pensions whether the Ministry of Pensions has received resolutions from the Nottingham Pensions Committee, the Nottingham Board of Guardians, and the Nottingham branch of the British Legion impressing upon the Government the necessity of amending the Royal Warrant, Article II, whereby widows are being refused pensions because their husbands died more than seven years after discharge although death was directly attributable to the wound, injury, or disease admitted as due to service; and whether the Government is prepared to alter its decision?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of PENSIONS (Major Tryon)

I would refer to the answer given to the hon. and gallant Member for Wandsworth, Central, on the 13th June, of which I am sending copies.

Mr. DAVIES

Do we understand from the previous answer that all such cases as mentioned in my question are to be referred to the Ministry of Pensions for consideration?

Major TRYON

The answer was, in the main, to the effect that the whole question is now being gone into and individual cases are also being considered.