§ 2. Colonel DAYasked the Minister of Pensions if he is aware of the resolution discussed at a recent meeting of the West Metropolitan Advisory Council regarding the existing practice of anonymous letters containing charges of misconduct against widows in receipt of war pensions being considered by the local war pensions committees; and will he make an order that such charges shall not be considered unless placed in writing, together with the name and address of the informant, in order that these women may have the protection of the law of libel?
§ Major TRYONI am aware that a resolution regarding the practice referred to was discussed, but I understand that it was rejected by the Advisory Council. The procedure adopted by the Special Grants Committee is such as, in their long experience of the matter, is best adapted to secure justice in the (handling of their very difficult class of case. It has been carefully considered from time to time by myself, and was fully reviewed last year by my predecessor the right hon. Member for West Bromwich. In these circumstances I am not disposed to suggest that the present procedure should be changed.
§ Colonel DAYIs the right hon. Gentle-may aware that it is against all the principles of English justice for a person to be accused anonymously, and then have to prove their innocence. Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there are many injustices perpetrated in this way, where people send anonymous letters which are never proved?
§ Major TRYONAn anonymous letter can in no circumstances be regarded as evidence against a widow, but it may legitimately be ground for inquiry. We had, for instance, a statement made in one letter that certain children for whom we were responsible were being ill-treated. We were clearly entitled to inquire into that case.
§ Colonel DAYIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that there was a recent case in Southwark where a war widow had her pension taken away, because it was alleged in an anonymous letter that she was living in adultery?
§ Major TRYONNo such action would be taken merely on an anonymous letter. Such action would only be taken on evidence.
§ Colonel DAYWill the right hon. Gentleman inquire into the case if I send him particulars?
§ Mr. T. WILLIAMSIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that in certain cases where an allowance has been withdrawn, both the widow and the children are suffering terrible hardship? If I bring to his notice a case where a woman and four children have been turned out of her house because she could not pay her rent, will he be good enough to look into it?
§ Major TRYONI should be glad to look into any such case; but I would point out that the allowances for the children are not withdrawn in these cases. The point is that, as the pension is withdrawn from the woman in case of remarriage, it is surely wrong that it should be continued where a woman lives with a man without going through the form of marriage.