§ 14. Mr. McENTEEasked the First Lord of the Admiralty how many parents of single men killed in submarine M.2 have been refused pension or other compensation for the loss of their sons?
Sir B. EYRES MONSELLThe parents of 10 single men who lost their lives in submarine M.2 were found to be ineligible for the award of pensions on investigation of their applications. Under the Regulations, a pension can only be awarded to a parent if the parent was largely dependent on the deceased at the time of his death, but in these 10 cases this condition was not met. This rule is common to the three Service Departments. The Admiralty have no power to grant compensation, as distinct from a pension, to the parents of a naval rating.
§ Mr. McENTEEIs the right hon. Gentleman not aware that in consequence of the death of these men, although some parents were not wholly dependent upon them, they are suffering material loss, and is there no way in which he can assist them to recover some of the loss which they have sustained?
Sir B. EYRES MONSELLI sympathise deeply with the parents, but under the regulations I have no power to do it.
§ Mr. LOGANIs it not possible for the Government to make an ex-gratia payment as they did in the case of the M.2 widow in Liverpool?
Sir B. EYRES MONSELLIf any particular consideration is put forward, I will see that it is considered, but I can hold out no hope that any such grants will be made.
§ Mr. KIRKWOODIs it not within the power of the Admiralty to grant a compassionate allowance in such cases as these?