HC Deb 17 May 1927 vol 206 cc977-8
43. Mr. ROBINSON

asked the Minister of Pensions the number of widows who have been refused pension under Article 17 (a), though at the time of death the husband was in receipt of a pension assessed at 50 per cent. or more and the death certificate included among the causes of death the War disability; and, if these figures are not available, will he have them extracted in respect of new claims made between 1st May and 31st August, 1927?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of PENSIONS (Lieut.-Colonel Stanley)

The records of the Department do not enable me to give the precise information required, and my right hon. Friend regrets that he does not consider that he would be justified in undertaking the additional statistical work suggested. It is thought, however, that the following figures will give substantially the information desired. Out of all the claims made, where the widow was otherwise eligible for consideration under Article 17 of the Royal Warrant, not more than 40 per cent. are finally rejected, either by the Ministry or, on appeal, by the pensions appeal tribunals. It has been calculated, from an examination of a substantial number of recent cases, that in not more than 5 per cent. of all cases was a claim rejected where a War disability, assessed at 50 per cent. or over, was given on the death certificate as one among other causes of death.