HC Deb 25 July 1939 vol 350 cc1226-7
21. Mr. Gallacher

asked the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been called to the case of Mrs. MacManus, Gailes Street, Glasgow, whose son, Private William Lynch Lawson, was killed at Fort George while serving with the 1st Battalion Highland Light Infantry, through the explosion of a steam cooker, and that his mother was refused a pension or compensation; and what steps does he propose to take to rectify this injustice?

Mr. Hore-Belisha

I understand that the soldier was not, in fact, supporting Mrs. MacManus, or his stepfather, before his death, and, further, that the latter is not incapable of self-support.

Mr. Gallacher

Does the fact not remain that this woman's son lost his life while in the service of the War Office, and ought not the War Office to pay some compensation to a mother for a son whom she has lost in their service?

Mr. Hore-Belisha

I have said that the lady in this case was not dependent on the soldier. It would be quite unreasonable to suggest that an allowance should be paid to someone who was not previously dependent. That would not be the case under the civil law.

Mr. Gallacher

But under the civil law the mother has not of necessity to be dependent on a son in order to get compensation if he is killed and if he is killed in the service of the War Office surely she is entitled to compensation?

Mr. Hore-Belisha

I think the civil law is as I have stated.