HC Deb 22 July 1931 vol 255 cc1486-7
59. Mr. MARCUS

asked the Minister of Pensions if he is aware of the fact that, under Article 24 (2) of the Royal Warrant, a widow whose marriage took place after her husband had been discharged from the Army is excluded from pension, although family allowances are paid in such a case while her husband is undergoing treatment for his pensioned disability; and if he will take steps to render this class of widow eligible for pension?

The MINISTER of PENSIONS (Mr. F. O. Roberts)

The grant of allowances in the comparatively small proportion of cases in which a special course of treatment is on occasion found to be necessary is governed by conditions altogether different from those applicable to the award of pension, and would afford no justification for so large an extension of the pension system as my hon. Friend suggests.

Mr. SCRYMGEOUR

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that, even where marriage has taken place before the discharge from the Army, not only the woman but the children have been refused any pension, although family allowances have been secured while the husband has been undergoing treatment?

Mr. ROBERTS

I cannot recall any circumstances to which my hon. Friend refers, but if he will give me particulars I will look into them.