§ 2. Mr. BUCHANANasked the Minister of Pensions if he is aware that Mrs. 2120 Campbell, Ferguslie Walk, Paisley, has applied for a pension, and been refused, for her step-sons killed in the late War; that a pension was allocated to the father who is now deceased; that the three lads when working supported both father and step-mother; and if, in view of the fact that the woman is left without means of any kind, he will have the claim reconsidered?
§ The MINISTER of PENSIONS (Major Tryon)Mrs. Campbell's step-sons were all earning ages when she married their father, and there is no power under the Royal Warrant to treat her as a natural parent for pension purposes. She was, however, recognised as a dependant of the two step-sons who made allotments in her favour, and gratuities amounting to £72 16s. were paid to her in 1919 in respect of the deaths of these step-sons. This is the maximum grant for which she would have been eligible even if her husband had not received a pension, and, as I have already informed the hon. Member, I have no power to transfer that pension to her.