HC Deb 20 June 1940 vol 362 cc232-3
35. Mr. Dunn

asked the Minister of Pensions why the case of Rose Dannatt, 61, Frederick Street, Catcliffe, near Rotherham, and several other similar cases in the Rother Valley Parliamentary division, have not yet been dealt with by the War Service Grants Advisory Committee and no awards made; whether he is aware that the meagre awards that are being made by the committee are causing widespread dissatisfaction among soldiers' wives and families; and whether he will take immediate steps to deal with these matters?

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Pensions (Miss Wilkinson)

This case has been represented to me more than once and has been carefully investigated and reviewed on each occasion. The War Service Grants Advisory Committee have, however, been unable on the ascertained facts of the case to find the circumstances are such as to justify a grant. I have reason to believe that the hon. Member is misinformed as to the facts, and as to this I am communicating fully with him.

36. Mr. W. H. Green

asked the Minister of Pensions under what circumstances men who responded to appeals to enlist previous to the actual outbreak of war are eligible for grants to relieve family hardship from the War Service Grants Advisory Committee?

Miss Wilkinson

A member of the Forces who joined voluntarily, and specifically for the period of the emergency or the war, is eligible for a war service grant in so far as his acceptance of such service has rendered him unable to meet his obligations and serious hardship has thereby been caused.