HC Deb 17 November 1926 vol 199 c1835
18. Major Sir BERTRAM FALLE

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether the widows and dependants of the Royal Naval ratings who were lost with His Majesty's ship "Valerian" will receive the scales of pensions for dependants laid down on page 164 of the Appendix to the Navy List, April, 1926, in addition to the widows' pension provided under the National Health Insurance Act, observing that the naval pension is a condition of service and that all naval ratings contribute to the widows' pension through National Health Insurance?

Mr. BRIDGEMAN

The claims of the widows and dependants of the ratings who were lost in His Majesty's ship "Valerian" will be dealt with under the conditions and scales of pension laid down in Order-in-Council of 7th November, 1924, particulars of which appear on page 164 of the Appendix to the Navy List, April, 1926. Their position under the Widows', Orphans' and Old Age Contributory Pensions Act, 1925, to which my hon. and gallant Friend presumably refers in the concluding portion of his question, will be governed by Section 24 of that Act, and in this connection I would refer him to the reply which was given to him on the 18th November, 1925 [OFFICIAL REPORT, col. 357], in connection with the loss of His Majesty's submarine "M. I."

Sir B. FALLE

Is my right hon. Friend aware of the very great difference that exists between the sailor who contributes to National Health Insurance, and loses his life for King and country, and the man who pays for National Health Insurance and unfortunately loses his life in civil life, in which case his widow receives up to £600 in cash?

Mr. BRIDGEMAN

I am not aware of the difference, but I will look into it.