§ 55. Major Sir Jocelyn Lucasasked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware of the great hardship caused in many cases, in view of the fact that no provision is made under the Personal Injuries (Civilians) Scheme for the dependants of an unmarried person killed in an air raid; and whether he can take steps to remedy this state of affairs?
§ Sir W. WomersleyI am afraid my hon. Friend is under a misapprehension, as the Personal Injuries (Civilians) Scheme does make provision for parents and orphan brothers and sisters of unmarried persons killed in an air raid and also for the children of such persons, subject only to the condition, in the case of a man, that he had been supporting the mother of the children on a domestic basis.
§ 56. Sir J. Mellorasked the Minister of Pensions upon what grounds claims by dependants of soldiers, killed by enemy action while on short leave, are dealt with under the Personal Injuries (Civilians) Scheme and not under the Royal Warrant, in view of the fact that soldiers on leave are, for purposes of military discipline, on active service?
§ Sir W. WomersleyI regret that at the moment I am unable to add anything to the reply I gave to the hon. and gallant Member for West Bromwich (Captain Dugdale) on 24th June.
§ Sir J. MellorWill not my right hon. Friend give an explanation of the present position?
§ Sir W. WomersleyThe explanation is that I am dealing with this matter through my advisory committee, and I am not yet in a position to make an announcement to the House.