§ 37. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYasked the Minister of Pensions what is the estimated cost of extending the provisions of the Royal Warrant to cover the widows and children of post-injury marriages if the ex-officers and other ranks concerned die from the effects of War injuries; and what percentage of the pensioners concerned are calculated to die of their injuries for the purposes of this calculation?
§ The MINISTER of PENSIONS (Mr. F. O. Roberts)With regard to the first part of the question, I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the answer which was given to a similar question put by the hon. and gallant Member for Lewes (Rear-Admiral Beamish) on 8th December last, of which I am sending him a copy. The percentage of pensioners dying from causes attributable to their War service (including diseases as well as injury) is not a constant one, varying as it does from time to time owing to climatic and other reasons, and tending generally to diminish with the lapse of time after termination of service. The proportion at present is between 50 per cent. and 60 per cent.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYIn view of the latter part of his reply, may I ask the Minister of Pensions whether he is prepared now to consider the hard cases of poverty which arise?
§ Mr. ROBERTSAll hard cases are considered, but whether they come within the scope of this question it is not possible to say at the moment.
§ Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHYWill the hon. Member consider recommending an amendment of the Royal Warrant?
§ Mr. ROBERTSI am afraid that I cannot answer that question now.