§ 31. Mr. Buchananasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that Mrs. Harris, now living at 56, Polmadie Road, Glasgow, and widow of the late Sergeant Harris, of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, has been refused a pension from the War Office; that the late Sergeant Harris served the Army for 17 576 years and was a serving soldier at the time of his death; that the widow states that his death was the result of Army service; and that the widow is left with two young children, and the family are now partly dependent on Poor Law relief; and whether he will take steps to have this case reconsidered?
§ Mr. StanleyI have again consulted my medical advisers on this case and they remain of the opinion that the death of the late Sergeant Harris was due to constitutional causes and cannot be regarded as the result of military service. I regret therefore that his widow and children are not eligible for awards of pension from Army funds.
§ Mr. BuchananWill the Minister not consider giving this woman some opportunity of having her case heard? Is it not an elementary principle that her case should be heard before a decision is given against her?
§ Mr. StanleyThis case arose some time ago, in peace-time, and the usual procedure laid down was followed.
§ Mr. BuchananDoes the right hon. Gentleman think it is fair that when a man has served for 17 years his wife and family should be left dependent upon Poor Law relief?