§ 34. Major Sir BERTRAM FALLEasked the Minister of Health if he is aware that naval ratings pay 4½d. each week towards the Widows', Orphans', and Old Age Contributory Pensions Act, 1925, and that the widows of these ratings do not draw such pension; and if he will look into the matter?
§ Sir K. WOODMy hon. and gallant Friend appears to be under a misapprehension. Ordinarily, the widow of a naval rating is entitled, subject to the qualifying conditions, to a pension under the Contributory Pensions Act. An exception is, however, made in a ease where the widow is entitled to a pension, payable out of moneys provided by Parliament, in respect of the death of her husband or of some other person attributable to or connected with his service in the Forces. In the latter case, if the pension is less than the pension, including children's allowances, to which he 2551 would otherwise be entitled under the Contributory Pensions Act, it is is increased by the amount of the difference.
§ Sir B. FALLEWill my hon. Friend say why a man should subscribe 40. per week and get nothing for it?
§ Sir K. WOODThat is not so. I think my hon. and gallant Friend had better study my reply.
§ Mr. HORE-BELISHAWill the hon. Member say whether he has taken legal opinion as to whether the Government is entitled to deprive a widow of her pension under the Contributory Pensions Act if she is receiving another pension?
§ Sir K. WOODI do not think the hon. Gentleman can have followed what I said. No widow has been deprived of her pension under such circumstances. If the hon. Member will look at my reply he will see that the procedure under the Act is being carried out.