§ 16. Colonel Wedgwoodasked the Secretary for Mines what compensation, gratuity, or pension has been made to the relations of Messrs. Finney and Bloor, the inspectors of mines who lost their lives in doing their duty by trying to save life in the Holditch pit; and how far this recognition exceeds what would have been paid if they had died a natural death?
§ Captain CrookshankThe cases referred to were dealt with under the provisions of the Superannuation Acts and of the 185 Injury Warrant No. 1/1935 dated 27th June, 1935. I am sending the right hon. Gentleman a copy of the Warrant. The late Mr. Finney had no dependants. An has accordingly been made to his legal award of one year's salary (£639 14s. 11d) personal representatives, as would have been the case had he died a natural death. The award to the dependants of the late Mr. Bloor on the same basis would have been one year's salary (396 17s.), but in addition to this payment his widow has been granted a pension of £66 2s. 10d. per annum, she being the only dependant under the terms of the Warrant.
§ Colonel WedgwoodI gather that the pensions and rewards are exactly those which would be given in the ordinary course, but may I ask my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the great heroism displayed by these two men, which is a very excellent example, he will receive at the Treasury a small deputation of those who are interested in seeing that a reward should be given in these exceptional cases?
§ The Chancellor of the Exchequer (Sir John Simon)I did not know that the right hon. Gentleman was going to address that question to me, but having regard to the matter of it, I certainly will consider his suggestion sympathetically. Perhaps the right hon. Gentleman will be good enough to communicate with me.