§ 73. Mr. TINKERasked the Minister of Pensions how many applications have been made for pensions where the husband and father has died through war wounds, but the marriage took place after war service; and what has happened in such cases?
§ The MINISTER of PENSIONS (Major Tryon)I am sorry not to be able to give the information asked for by the hon. Member. The Ministry have no record of applications made where the applicant is ineligible for benefit under the Royal Warrants, as would be the case in the circumstances referred to.
§ Mr. TINKERWill the right hon. and gallant Member make inquiry into this matter to see if something can be done for these people in Jubilee year in recognition of the services they gave the country in the time of war?
§ Major TRYONNo, Sir, this question has been fully considered on more than one occasion, and it has been consistently held by Governments of all parties that the liability of the State in respect of the deaths of ex-service men should be limited to the men's family obligations as existing at the date of the contraction on service of the fatal disability.
§ Mr. BUCHANANSince the report of the Committee the widows of ex-soldiers have frequently suffered hardships inasmuch as they cannot qualify for an ordinary State pension. Will the right hon. and gallant Member not now reconsider the matter?
§ Major TRYONI am not prepared to suggest any alteration of the principle which is obviously right. If the hon. Member has any particular case in mind I will examine it, but the principle must be adhered to.
§ Mr. BUCHANANWill the right hon. and gallant Member consider the point that because of his injuries the man cannot be fully employed, and, in that case, will he see that the widow in the case of his death gets a pension and does not suffer that disqualification?