22. Mr. T. THOMSONasked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware that the Pension Issue Office is now withdrawing special payments previously sanctioned to cover necessary expenses, such as insurance premiums and costs of storage of furniture where homes are temporarily broken up owing to the widow of an ex-service man having to go into a mental asylum; and will he give instructions for the more humane and sympathetic consideration previously given in such instances to be continued, and in any case see that these special payments are not made dependent upon the local board of guardians waiving part of their claim for the cost of maintenance of the widow?
§ Major TRYONBoards of Guardians have made repeated requests that in the circumstances mentioned payment should be made to the authority responsible for the widow's maintenance. This proposal was considered reasonable and was accepted by me last year. In all these cases, however, provision is made for the care of the children during the whole period of the widow's maintenance in the asylum and for the upkeep of the home for at least 13 weeks after admission, before any part of the pension is paid over. I may add that each case is given special consideration according to its individual circumstances.
Mr. THOMSONWhy should the claim of the pensioner to special payments be dependent on the claims of the guardians for the maintenance of the widow?
§ Major TRYONIf the hon. Member will read the answer, he will see that I have dealt with the point. If not, perhaps he will raise it again.