HC Deb 13 February 1941 vol 368 cc1514-5
29. Mr. G. Griffiths

asked the Minister of Pensions how many applications for war service grants have been received to date and the rate at which such applications are now being received?

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Pensions (Mr. Paling)

The total number of applications received up to 4th February is 316,743, and new applications are being received at the rate of about 6,500 per week.

Mr. Griffiths

Can the hon. Gentleman say what percentage of the applications was refused? That is what I want to know.

Mr. Paling

I have not the figures in terms of a percentage, but my hon. Friend will be glad to know that the majority of the applications were successful.

Mr. Griffiths

Can the hon. Gentleman give the exact number?

Mr. Paling

Not without notice.

31. Mr. Daggar

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware that parents who lose a son in the war receive no pension, whereas for the payment of either a supplementary pension or an allowance from the Assistance Board regard is had to the wages of such members of the family; and whether he proposes to introduce legislation to deal with this anomaly?

Sir W. Womersley

All the compensation schemes applicable to the present war make provision for pensions to parents, subject to the terms of the particular scheme. In each case consideration is required to be given to the amount of any contribution which had been made by the son to his parents' support and which he would have been likely to continue if he had not died.

Mr. Daggar

Is it not true that no pension is paid to the parents. notwithstanding the fact that the son, previous to joining the Forces, made a contribution to the family?

Sir W. Womersley

That is so because the other conditions are not complied with. Actually 2,450 pensions have been awarded to parents, and in 2,000 other cases they have been informed that they have made good their claims and that when the other conditions come about they will receive a payment.

Mr. Daggar

Is it not a fact that the numbers receiving pensions are no consolation to those who are denied pensions, and in view of the anomaly mentioned in my Question, is it not time that some provision was made for these parents?

Sir W. Womersley

We cannot have a Debate on this matter.

Mr. G. Griffiths

If that one condition is satisfied, should it not satisfy the Minister? Did it not work in the last war?

Sir W. Womersley

It worked badly, because the result was that a large number of people who could afford to do without it were receiving a very small pension and those really in need were also receiving a small pension. My policy is to give to those in need a good and substantial pension.