§ 38. Mr. BROTHERTONasked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware that many widows who lost sons in the late War, and have been receiving pensions, are now receiving notice from the Pensions Department informing them that the amounts are to be reduced, in some cases by 4s., 5s., 7s., and more per week; and, as many of these widows are over 60 years of age and unable to find employment, thereby causing much suffering and hardship, can he, within the Regulations, continue to maintain payments, without reductions, to such persons?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of PENSIONS (Captain Craig)The hon. Member presumably refers to the review now proceeding of certain pensions based on preWar dependence. No reductions of pension would be made in any case unless it is perfectly clear, on reinvestigation, that the current pension is in excess of the amount which should have been granted 2036 on the facts of the case. I fear that it is not possible to adopt the hon. Member's suggestion, but I may say that if in any such case the pensioner is in pecuniary need and incapable of self-support, application for an increased pension may be made on that ground, and is at once dealt with sympathetically.