§ 64. Mr. W. BAKERasked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware that it was the practice in the Ministry of Pensions automatically to transfer the papers for attention by the widows' and dependants' section on the death of the pensioner; and by whose orders was that practice stopped and when?
The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of PENSIONS (Lieut.-Colonel Stanley)The practice referred to, which was not inappropriate during the period of the War, in cases where death occurred on service or within a short time afterwards, was discontinued in 1921 for the reasons given to the hon. Member in the reply to a question on a similar point on the 2nd instant. For these reasons, I do not think it advisable to reintroduce the practice.
§ Mr. BAKERDo we understand that the present Minister has discontinued the practice which was such an advantage previously?
Lieut.-Colonel STANLEYThe hon. Member is not to understand anything of the sort. The practice was discontinued in 1921, four years ago. It was not considered necessary then. We are on a totally different footing now.