§ 7. Mr. T. WILLIAMSasked the Minister of Pensions if he is aware that a pension was granted to Charles William Isles, of Ellison Street, Thorne, for the loss of his son, Robert Isles, on active service; that Charles William Isles died on the 12th August, 1922, leaving three children, aged 16, 13, and four years of age, respectively, all dependent upon him, and all potential dependants upon the deceased soldier; that application for transference of pension to children has been made and refused, and that the children are dependent upon charity; and will he see that the pension is now transferred to the children?
§ Major TRYONI have no authority to grant or to transfer pension in the circumstances stated.
§ Mr. WILLIAMSDoes not the right hon. Gentleman think that the dependence is more pronounced to-day than it was when the father was living, and does he not think that Regulations ought to be brought into being so that these transfers can be made?
§ Major TRYONThat would be an entire departure from the principle laid down by the House, and in the Royal Warrant.
§ Mr. WILLIAMSDoes that answer imply that these children are to be pauperised because their father happened to have passed away before they are able to maintain themselves?
§ Major TRYONNo; but in the case of the death of a pensioner, it has never been laid down that all the brothers and sisters shall be pensioned.
§ Mr. WILLIAMSHow does the right hon. Gentleman expect these children to live, except by charity or pauperism?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe hon. Member must not debate the matter now.