HC Deb 15 May 1941 vol 371 cc1250-1
40. Mr. Gallacher

asked the Minister of Pensions the number of applications for widow's pension, under the terms of the Royal Warrant, made since the outbreak of hostilities to the last convenient date, which have been refused on the grounds that the soldier's death was neither due to, nor his fatal disability aggravated by, military service?

The Minister of Pensions (Sir Walter Womersley)

The number is about 1,000.

Mr. Gallacher

Is the Minister prepared to introduce some new regulations that will ensure the more generous and humane treatment of many of these sufferers?

Sir W. Womersley

The majority of the widows are receiving the contributory pension. A very small number is left outside. 1 am dealing with that question now, in consultation with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Health.