§ 54. Mr. MAXTONasked the Minister of Pensions the number of cases in which reservation of part of the allowances to motherless children has been sanctioned; and whether interest is added to the whole of the balances, including those accumulated at the instance of War Pensions Committees before the scheme was adopted by the Ministry?
Lieut.-Colonel STANLEYThe number of cases at present covered by the Scheme referred to is about 2,000. Interest is added to sums compulsorily withheld under the terms of the Scheme or otherwise by the action of War Pensions Committees. Any other balances which might happen to have been un-drawn would not, of course, carry interest.
§ Mr. MAXTONWill the hon. and gallant Member tell me why not?
Lieut.-Colonel STANLEYIt is entirely optional. If they do not withdraw it, there is no reason why interest should be paid on it.
§ Mr. MAXTONWill the hon. and gallant Member tell me upon what proportion no interest is paid? What are the numbers out of the 2,000 on which no interest is paid?
Lieut.-Colonel STANLEYOn these 2,000 cases interest is paid, but there are other cases where pensioners to suit their own convenience have not drawn the money. It is there for them to draw, but they have not drawn it. In that case interest is not paid.