§ 3. Major COHENasked the Minister of Pensions what is the number of awards made since the introduction of the 1924 Warrant to widows, under Articles 17A and 17B, and the number of claims from 1202 widows that have been rejected under Articles 17A and 17B since the introduction of the 1924 Warrant?
§ Major TRYONThe net total of awards made under both parts A and B of Article 17 from the introduction of the Royal Warrant of January, 1924, to the 31st December last is 1,983, of which 993 were awards under Article 17B. The total number of claims rejected under the Article during the same period is 1,427.
§ 17. Mr. T. KENNEDYasked the Minister of Pensions the number of widows in England and Wales, and Scotland, respectively, whose pensions were stopped during last year for alleged misconduct; whether it is the practice of the Ministry to reconsider such stoppage of pensions within a reasonable period; and, if so, what means are available to enable widows to have their claims impartially considered?
§ Major TRYONIt is not possible to give figures separately for England and Wales and Scotland, but the total number of cases in which pensions were declared forfeited during the year was 585. The decision as to whether the pension of a widow has become forfeited by reason of misconduct is a statutory function, not of the Ministry, but of the Special Grants Committee. It is the practice of the Committee carefully to consider at all times representations made directly by a widow or on her behalf by a war pensions committee in any cases of forfeiture where mitigating circumstances are adduced. During the year in question pensions were, in fact, restored in 194 cases.
§ Mr. HAYESMay I ask whether the pensions are stopped on receipt of anonymous communications, or not until after inquiries have been made, and whether, where inquiry is made, the widow is allowed to be accompanied by a friend to represent her?
§ Major TRYONAs the hon. Member must know, pensions can only be stopped by this committee after inquiry.
§ Mr. HAYESCan the right hon. Gentleman say what opportunities the widow has of being represented at this inquiry?
§ Major TRYONI should like to have notice of any question as to the exact procedure of the Special Grants Committee. If the hon. Gentleman will put down a question, I shall be very happy to give him the information.