5. Mrs. Adamsonasked the Secretary of State for War whether any financial provision has been granted for the dependants of the victims in the recent explosions in the Royal Arsenal works on 18th and 19th May; and whether the amount of compensation payable is the same on behalf of those who were engaged on civilian or military duties?
§ Sir V. WarrenderThe widows of the soldiers who were killed in the explosion on 18th May continue to receive family allowance up to 15th June, and will receive awards of pensions thereafter in respect of themselves and their children under the provisions of the Pay Warrant. The dependants of the civilian staff killed in the explosions on 17th and 18th May are being considered for awards of compensation under the provisions of the Government Scheme of Compensation framed under the Workmen's Compensation Act. The provisions of this scheme are not the same as those of the Pay Warrant under which pensions are awarded to the dependants of soldiers, and there are various factors which make any direct comparison of the respective benefits difficult.
Mrs. AdamsonWill the Financial Secretary kindly expedite this question of allowances for dependants?
§ Sir V. WarrenderI do not think there has been any avoidable delay. It is a question of ascertaining the amounts.