§ 61. Mr. LUNNasked the Minister of Health if widows in receipt of pension are permitted to draw the pension if they migrate to the Dominions?
§ Sir K. WOODThe answer is in the negative, but I would refer the hon. Member to the reply on 29th November of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs, to a question by the hon. Member for Ashton under-Lyne (Mr. Bellamy).
§ Mr. LUNNIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that this is a deterrent to many widows who desire to go overseas? Is he also aware that certain shipping agents are informing widows that they will receive their pensions if they go overseas, and will he take steps to put a stop to that information being given if it is not the fact?
§ Sir K. WOODIf the hon. Member will send me particulars, I will look into them. As regards the first part of his question, it would be a desirable thing if these reciprocal arrangements could be made, and in a previous reply, on 29th November, my right hon. Friend stated that communications were being addressed to the Dominion Governments with a view to seeing whether we could obtain a settlement of the matter as soon as possible.
§ Mr. LAWSONIs it a fact that the Ministry of Pensions gives pensions under these circumstances?
§ Sir K. WOODThe hon. Member is mistaken. We are dealing with widows' pensions.
§ Mr. LAWSONIs it not a fact that the Ministry of Pensions does?
§ Sir K. WOODThe Ministry of Pensions is not concerned.
§ Mr. MACKINDERIs it not a fact that naval, military and police pensions are paid?
§ Sir K. WOODIf the hon. Member will look at the question, he will see that it deals with widows.
§ Mr. MACKINDERI am asking the right hon. Gentleman why he should differentiate.
§ Sir K. WOODThe hon. Member had better refer to the Debate when the matter was discussed.