§ 2. Mr. BARKERasked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware that Mrs. S. E. Jones, 2, Pond House, Abertillery, Monmouthshire, has been refused a needs pension on the death of her son. ex-Sergeant James Richards, No. 627188, South Wales Borderers; that Richards, when on active service, allowed his mother £1 per week; that he was himself in receipt of a pension up to the date of his death; that his death was attributable to the effects of service; and will he have this application for pension reconsidered?
§ Major TRYONI find that Mrs. Jones re-married prior to the death of her son in March, 1925. The liability for her support rests upon her husband, who is in employment. It is understood that the wife and husband have separated, but this fact does not warrant the grant to Mrs. Jones of a pension for which she would not be eligible if she and her husband were living together or if both of them were the actual parents of the soldier.
§ Mr. BARKERHas the Minister taken into consideration the fact that this man has always contributed, when he was able, to the maintenance of his mother and that when he was on active service he allowed her £1 a week? In losing her son she is losing her chief support.
§ Major TRYONI am prepared to consider any facts which the hon. Member will give me, but the difficulty in the case is the re-marriage of the widow.