§ Captain BOWYER(by Private Notice) asked the Minister of Pensions by what authority a time limit has been fixed by him for parents' dependant and flat-rate pensions, in view of the fact that no mention of a time limit is made in the Royal Warrant—Article 21; whether he is Aware of the hardship involved to parents of men, who, though still living to-day, may die as a result of their War injuries 1458 after the 1st April; and whether he will reconsider his decision, or at least postpone the date, as no sufficient publicity has been given to those concerned?
§ Major TRYONAfter full consideration, the Government decided that the time had now come to adopt the recommendation of the Select Committee of this House on Pensions in 1919. No hardship will be involved by this decision, inasmuch as any parent of a man who dies in consequence of his War injuries in the future will be entitled to claim and to receive pension, if in need of the assistance which would otherwise have been afforded by the deceased son. Ample publicity has been given to the decision of the Government, and my right hon. Friend is unable, therefore, to accept the suggestion in the last part of the question.
§ Captain BOWYERIs my hon. and gallant Friend aware that the British Legion in London said only yesterday that none of the ex-service men's papers has had any notification of this at all?
§ Sir H. HARRISWill this change require a new Royal Warrant?
§ Major TRYONNo, Sir.