§ 16. Mr. CAIRNSasked the Minister of Pensions if he is aware that the claim of Mrs. Mary Mansel, of 70, Porten Street, Ashington, Northumberland, widow of the late Private Timothy Mansel, No. 3,244, Northumberland Fusiliers, has been disallowed before a tribunal; that Timothy Mansel was awarded 60 per cent., and totally and permanently discharged from any form of military service; and that the precis showed that for him, his wife, and three children £2 1s. 8d. weekly was allowed; and will he open this case again, as the widow and three children are in distressed circumstances?
§ Major TRYONThis man was invalided from the Army in 1915 on account of nephritis and was admitted to pension for that disability. He died nearly seven years later from an acute illness which lasted only a few days and which could not be connected with service. The decision of the Ministry rejecting the widow's claim to pension has been confirmed on appeal by the Pensions Appeal Tribunal and is now, therefore, final.
§ Mr. CAIRNSHow are this widow of an ex-serviceman and her three children to live?
§ Major TRYONThe hon. Member is doubtless aware that we are by law not allowed to compensate for any disablement or death which is not due to the War. This unfortunate man died of a sudden illness seven years after the War and it is decided that his illness was not due to the War.
§ Mr. CAIRNSCan she not go to another tribunal for a widow's pension?
§ Major TRYONI have told the hon. Member that the decision is, by law and by the decision of the House of Commons, final.
§ Mr. CAIRNSWill the right hon. Gentleman promise to get the law altered in favour of this woman?
§ Major TRYONNo, Sir.