§ 40. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYasked the Minister of Pensions whether there are any funds at his disposal from which he can make ex gratia allowances to the widows of ex-service men who were married after their deceased husbands had been discharged from His Majesty's forces or where the husbands die as a result of wounds or other injuries suffered on active service in the last War; and what action he takes in cases where these widows and their children are left in poverty?
§ The MINISTER of PENSIONS (Mr. F. O. Roberts)The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. As no claim for pension arises under the Royal Warrants, cases of the class referred to in the normal course do not come before the Ministry at all.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYMay I ask for an answer to the last part of my question, as to what action my right hon. Friend takes in cases where these widows and their children are left in poverty?
§ Mr. ROBERTSThose cases which do not come within the Royal Warrants cannot be dealt with at all, but there may be a limited number of cases which could be considered on other grounds.
§ Mr. STEPHENWill the Minister consider altering the Warrant in order to make provision for these and similar cases?
§ Mr. ROBERTSAs I have said before, there is no chance of amending the Warrant in that direction.