§ 1. Mr. SMEDLEY CROOKEasked the Minister of Pensions the number of ex-service men's widows who have been granted the widows' pension during the last six months ended the 31st March, and the number of those who have been refused?
§ The MINISTER of PENSIONS (Major Tryon)Precise figures for the half-year ended on 31st ultimo cannot as yet be given, but I understand that out of the total number of claims matte during the period pension will probably be granted in about 840 cases, while the number of claims rejected will be about 660.
§ Mr. DAYCan the right hon. Gentleman say why such a large number of them were rejected for special reasons?
§ Major TRYONBecause all this time after the War other causes naturally operate. Those who served in the War are not exempt from the ordinary vicissitudes and illnesses of civil life.
§ Mr. CROOKEIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is very great dissatisfaction throughout the country at the manner in which these cases are being dealt with?
§ Major TRYONNo, Sir. I have visited every part of the country, and the hon. Member's statement is not accurate.