§ 75. Captain CROOKSHANKasked the Minister of Pensions if he is aware that the pension awarded in respect of her son to Mrs. E. Maw, of East Stockwith, Gainsborough, has been reduced from 5s. to 4s. 2d., on the grounds of an error in calculating the award; if he will state how long the pension had been paid at the rate of 5s. before the discovery of the alleged error; what is the error; and whether he is prepared to reconsider the whole question in view of Mrs. Maw's present condition?
§ The MINISTER of PENSIONS (Mr. F. O. Roberts)The original award under Article 21 (1) (c) of the Royal Warrant was not an error of calculation, but was made on the strength of erroneous information as to the deceased son's age on enlistment, which had subsequently to be corrected. The amended award represents the maximum to which the widow is entitled under Article 21 (1) (a) of the Warrant on the ground of her partial dependence on the deceased son. The case has been fully considered, but the circumstances do not admit of a higher grant.
§ Captain CROOKSHANKWill the right hon. Gentleman answer my question as to how long has this pension been paid in error?
§ Mr. ROBERTSI am afraid I have not that information at hand, but I will see that the hon. and gallant Member has it.
§ Captain CROOKSHANKMay I enter a protest, because this is what I asked 2462 for in the second part of my question, and the Minister has not taken the trouble to reply?
§ 76. Mr. R. A. TAYLORasked the Minister of Pensions whether pensions payable to British ex-service men now resident in Australia are paid in Australian currency; and whether the pensioners concerned receive the Australian equivalent of the exchange value of the £ sterling?
§ Mr. F. O. ROBERTSPensions granted under the Royal Warrants are paid in Australian currency to ex-service men whilst residing in that Dominion. In view, however, of the present abnormal position of the exchanges, arrangements are in process of agreement with the Commonwealth Government whereby the pensioners will, until normality returns, receive supplementary payments in respect of the difference of exchange.