§ 96. Lieut.-Colonel GAULTasked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware that Joseph Hawkins, a pre-war naval pensioner, petty officer, No. 134,156, pension office reference 8/N/3,524, was awarded a disability pension during the late war; that he was returned to the pension authorities as a single man despite the fact that during the war he allotted pay to his wife, and that she drew separation allowance for herself and children; and if he will state why this man's application to have the arrears of the pension in respect of a wife and children from the date of the original award has been refused and only 12 months' award allowed, having regard to the fact that it was not Hawkins's fault that the error arose?
Lieut.-Colonel STANLEYThe fact that the pensioner referred to was entitled to draw allowances in respect of wife and children only came to light through independent investigation by the Ministry. The question whether there are any special circumstances in the case which would allow of arrears in excess of the normal period of 12 months applicable in such cases being paid, will be considered when the case has been further investigated.