HC Deb 04 March 1940 vol 358 cc5-6
11. Mrs. Hardie

asked the Minister of Pensions why the parents of the late Alexander Lumodar, aircraftman, Royal Air Force, who was killed while on a flight over Germany, were refused a pension, in view of the fact that the father of this young man is not in good health and is often unable to work, that he has four children of school age, and that the son was a financial help to the family before and after enlistment?

The Minister of Pensions (Sir Walter Womersley)

I assume that the Question refers to the case of the parents of the late Alexander Lumsden, about which I recently wrote to the hon. Lady. I explained then that Mr. Lumsden's circumstances were not such as to make him at the present time eligible for a pension under the Royal Order. I may add, with regard to the last part of the Question, that I am informed that the son made no allotment in favour of his parents.

Mrs. Hardie

Is it not a fact that the father of Mr. Lumsden stated that this young man sent 20s. to 25s. per week to his parents, that the father suffers from ill-health and is often unable to work, and that when he is not at work his wages stop; and will the Minister reconsider this case?

Sir W. Womersley

I am having an inquiry made into the question of whether any allowance is payable, but the War Office records show that the man in question made no allotment.

14. Mr. Dobbie

asked the Minister of Pensions whether a mother who is in receipt of an allotment from a son who is a member of the Armed Forces of the country is entitled to a pension if the son dies as a result of wounds or illness when on active service if such allotment of the son has not been supplemented by an allowance from the Government?

Sir W. Womersley

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given by me to the hon. and gallant Member for Clitheroe (Sir W. Brass) on 16th November, of which I am sending him a copy.

Mr. Dobbie

Would the Minister inform the House whether the needs test is applied to each and every applicant for such a pension?

Sir W. Womersley

I think the hon. Gentleman had better wait until he receives the answer.

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