§ 78. Major MILNERasked the Minister of Pensions how many widows' pensions have been forfeited on the ground of alleged unworthiness during the three years prior to the latest convenient date; on what authority such forfeiture is made and by whom; whether there is any, and, if so, what opportunity given to rebut such allegations; and whether appeals against such forfeiture are made?
§ The MINISTER of PENSIONS (Major Tryon)In the three years ended on 30th September last, 810 widows' pensions have been forfeited on the ground of unworthiness, while 33 have been restored. Widows' pensions may be forfeited under 1339 Article 10 of the Royal Warrant of December, 1919, by the Ministry, on the decision of a Statutory body, the Special Grants Committee, in all cases referred to them in accordance with their powers under the War Pensions Acts. In every case full opportunity is afforded to the pensioner to state her case, in person or in writing, and any appeal is carefully considered.
§ Major MILNERHas the widow the opportunity of appearing before the Special Grants Committee, and is that an independent body?
§ Major TRYONThey are an independent body and make their own inquiries, and we are also given valuable help by the local pensions committees. I may add that the point is that 117,000 War widows have remarried, and it would be contrary to the intention of this House if some of them were able to retain their pensions by dispensing with the marriage ceremony.
§ Major MILNERDoes the right hon. Gentleman think he ought to make that suggestion? May I ask if he is aware that there is very considerable feeling in regard to the nature of the investigation and a feeling among many widows that they have suffered injustice, and will he look further into the matter?
§ Major TRYONI do not think that the House is likely to want details of these cases, but in the only two cases that the hon. Member has sent us recently, the facts are exceptionally discreditable to the two widows.