§ 36. Mr. TINKERasked the Minister of Pensions if he is aware of the circumstances of Miss M. E. Holden, of 24, Wardley Street, Tyldesley, who was granted a dependant allowance up to 21 years of age because of physical disability; that this allowance has been stopped though her condition is the same; and will he now consider treating this case in the limited class of those entirely incapable of earning and to which allowance can be made?
§ The MINISTER of PENSIONS (Major Tryon)I am aware of the circumstances of the case referred to, but I regret that I should have no authority to continue the allowance to Mrs. Holden in respect of her daughter. It is a long-established principle that State liability for children should not extend, at the utmost, beyond the attainment of their majority, and, although an exception has been made as regards the special and limited class of young persons who become total orphans before reaching the age of 21, I cannot 256 hold out any hope of a departure from the decision that the concession must be limited to this class.
§ Mr. TINKERIs the Minister not aware that, for all intents and purposes, this girl is an orphan? There is only her mother to keep her, because her father was killed in the War. Surely the rule can be extended in a case like this?
§ Major TRYONThe hon. Gentleman will see from my answer that I have no power to extend this concession beyond the age of 21.