40. Mr. ALLENasked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the distressed circumstances of numerous holders of the Victoria Cross, His Majesty's Government will consider in creasing the nominal pension attaching to this decoration by a gratuitous allowance in all necessitous cases?
§ Mr. SHAWProvision already exists for increasing Victoria Cross pensions up to £75 a year including other pensions from public funds, where the recipients are unable to earn a livelihood by reason of age or medical infirmity. I am sending the hon. Member a copy of the regulations governing the matter, and if he has a specific case in mind and will send me particulars I shall be happy to investigate it.
§ Lieut.-Colonel Sir A. LAMBERT WARDDoes this additional pension imply a test for means?
§ Mr. SHAWI think it is evident that the custom which has been followed for the last few years does really imply a question of means. There has been no change in method.