§ 32. Rear-Admiral BEAMISHasked the Minister of Pensions whether, with regard to the representations he has received to the effect that if an ex-service man marries after the War and dies from his disability attributable to War service his dependants shall be eligible to pension and that such pension shall be retrospective, he can state the policy of the Government towards this proposal?
§ Mr. PARKINSON (Lord of the Treasury)In the unavoidable absence of my right hon. Friend, I have been asked to reply. I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the answers which were given by my right hon. Friend to the hon. Member for Windsor (Mr. A. Somerville) and the hon. Member for Londonderry (Major Ross) on the 17th April and 24th June last, of which I am sending him copies.
§ Rear-Admiral BEAMISHCan the right hon. Gentleman provide information showing an estimate of the total cost to this country of such a concession? Has he the figures relating to that matter, and, if not, will he provide the figures if I put down a question?
§ Mr. PARKINSONI think that the hon. and gallant Gentleman had better put down a further question.
§ Rear-Admiral BEAMISHWill the hon. Gentleman convey to the Minister of Pensions the fact that if such a concession is granted it will mean a burden upon this country for not less than 100 years?