HC Deb 20 February 1941 vol 369 cc282-3
30. Mr. Dobbie

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he is yet in a position to make a decision in the case of Mrs. France, of 23, Wharncliffe Street, Rother- ham, who made application to the Military Service Allowance Committee on 21st June and then appealed against the decision in November of last year, and on which the hon. Member for Rother- ham communicated with the Minister on 23rd November, 1940, and again on 14th January, 1941?

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

As the hon. Member is aware, the case is one of a difficult type; and its rejection was in accordance with the principles adopted by the Committee. Points arising out of the appeal have been investigated, and it has now been decided to issue a grant at the rate of 10s. a week.

31. Miss Ward

asked the Minister of Pensions what action parents of sons killed by enemy action, who were depend ants, should take to maintain a standard reasonably comparable to that maintained for them by the son, and where the amount contributed by the son was in excess of the maximum grant payable under the Royal Warrant?

Sir W. Womersley

I would remind the hon. Lady that a parent's pension is in the nature of a life annuity, and the extent of the State's liability for that pension, which alone it is my duty to determine, could not equitably be based on the amount which the son's particular circumstances at the time of enlistment may have enabled him to contribute to their support.

Miss Ward

Would the right hon. Gentleman be good enough to give a direct answer to the Question? What action do parents have to take under present circumstances?

Sir W. Womersley

I have given a direct answer to the hon. Lady's Question.

32. Mr. Leslie

asked the Minister of Pensions under what conditions a seaman who has been invalided out of the service, after serving since the outbreak of war in a merchant vessel commandeered by the Navy, can qualify for a pension?

Sir W. Womersley

The answer must depend on the class of seaman that the hon. Member has in view. If he will be good enough to give me particulars of the case with which he is concerned, including the nature of the man's service, I shall be glad to give him the information desired.

Mr. Leslie

Would an ordinary stoker who had been invalided out be entitled to a pension?

Sir W. Womersley

I do not like to deal with hypothetical cases in my Department. If the hon. Member can give me a specific case, I shall be glad to give it the most sympathetic consideration.