§ 1. Mr. R. MORRISONasked the Minister of Pensions whether he has received representations from local war pensions committees, complaining of the numerous cases in which applications for education grants have been refused by the Special Grants Committee, and asking for a review of the Regulations relative to this point; and whether he intends to take any steps in this direction?
§ The MINISTER of PENSIONS (Major Tryon)I have received representations complaining on various grounds against the refusal of a grant by the Special Grants Committee in individual cases. With regard to the last part of the question, the Regulations dealing with this matter are for the consideration of the 678 Special Grants Committee in the first instance, but I have the whole subject under consideration.
§ Mr. MORRISONDoes the right hon. Gentleman not anticipate coming to a decision at an early date?
§ Major TRYONI certainly cannot anticipate what will be the result of my consideration.
§ Mr. PALINGIs it not a fact that a good many of these complaints were sent in months ago, and can the right hon. Gentleman say whether anything has been done up to the present to improve the situation?
§ Major TRYONI think in the Debate last night I dealt with that point, but I fully appreciate the object of the hon. Member.
§ Mr. R. RICHARDSONMay we have an answer as soon as possible as to the intentions of the Government?
§ Major TRYONPerhaps the hon. Gentleman would put down a question.
§ 3. Mr. J. HUDSONasked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware that his Department has approved the refusal of the Special Grants Committee to assist in the secondary education of the late Private Oldfield's son, now resident at 12, Ing Lane, Newsome, Huddersfield, and that the widowed mother receives a pension quite inadequate for the maintenance of herself and her two children, particularly with the added costs of a secondary education; and whether, in in view of the high estimate which the teachers of this boy have of his abilities, he will be prepared to reconsider his Department's decision?
§ Major TRYONAs the hon. Member has already been informed, this matter is one for determination by the Special Grants Committee under their Regulations. The ability of a child in such a case is always taken into consideration, but the Committee have no power to contribute out of public funds towards the educational expenses of a pensioned child unless they are satisfied on the facts before them that the child cannot, by reason of the death of its father in the Great War, be given the education he would have provided.
§ Mr. HUDSONDoes the right hon. Gentleman realise that the only means by which a secondary education in a case like this can be obtained is by the mother going out to work, and is it the intention of the Ministry of Pensions that mothers should supplement their pensions in that way in order to give their children the needed opportunity?
§ Major TRYONI think the hon. Member is aware of the fact that only last night the House agreed to a Supplementary Estimate for the Special Grants Committee.
§ Mr. HUDSONMay I ask if the money is to be devoted to cases where under ordinary circumstances the death of the father—although the child may have secured a scholarship—and the circumstances of the widowed mother may prevent it?
§ Major TRYONI think I appreciate the point of view that my hon. Friend put in Debate yesterday. I am going into this matter with the new Central Advisory Committee very shortly, but I cannot anticipate what may be done.