§ 28. Sir B. FALLEasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether the naval and marine ratings employed in protecting British nationals and British property in China during the present trouble are charged the weekly contribution to the contributory widows' pension, in view of the fact that the widows of naval or marine ratings who have lost their lives in China are not entitled to draw the widows' pension under the 1925 Act?
§ Lieut.-Colonel HEADLAMThe reply is in the affirmative. In this connection I would invite my hon. and gallant Friend's attention to the replies given to his questions of the 17th November and the 1st, 9th, and 13th December last.
§ Sir B. FALLEThat docs not alter the fact that these men pay 4½d. a week for these benefits and that their widows cannot receive it.
§ Lieut.-Colonel HEADLAMAs the hon. and gallant Member has been told on previous occasions, a widow can receive such benefits if her husband's death was due to causes which were not attributable to his service.
§ Sir B. FALLEIf a man is killed in action his widow gets no benefit from the 4½d.
§ Lieut.-Colonel HEADLAMNo. But she would get another form of pension from the State.
§ Sir B. FALLEBut if he is killed in action?
§ Mr. CONNOLLYIs it not a decision of the High Court, on 21st October, that these widows are entitled to this benefit?
§ Sir B. FALLEThey do not get it.