HC Deb 03 August 1939 vol 350 cc2804-5
Lords Amendment

In page 24, line 10, after "entitle," insert: for the remainder of the period for which the pension or allowance was granted.

11.28 p.m.

Sir K. Wood

I beg to move, "That this House doth agree with the Lords in the said Amendment."

Hon. Members will recall that I undertook to meet them if I could on this point of compassionate allowances. There was some doubt as to the wording of the Clause as it stood, owing to the phraseology then employed. This Amendment makes it clear that compassionate allowances shall be as of legal right, and for the same terms and on the same conditions as before. As the Clause was drawn there was some doubt, and a different interpretation might have been given by anybody who was endeavouring to construe it. This has been examined by the Parliamentary draughtsman, and I think makes the matter abundantly clear, as hon. Members desired.

11.29 p.m.

Mr. Mander

I am grateful to the Secretary of State for having given further consideration as promised, to this matter. It seems to me that the way in which it has been dealt with completely protects the persons—I understand, about six in all—who are concerned. Whatever grant has been given to them by either of these companies in the past cannot be withdrawn for the period for which it has now been allocated to them. They hold it as of right, and, that being so, I am entirely satisfied.

Subsequent Lords Amendments to page 29, line 10, agreed to.