36. Miss Wardasked the Secretary of State for War what action he proposes to take, in view of the fact that civilian commitments entered into before the war are provided for during a man's active service, to ensure that when a man loses his life for his country his civilian liabilities are discharged?
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Pensions (Mr. Paling)I have been asked to reply. A war service grant is given to enable a man to meet commitments which by reason of his war service he is unable to meet. The Royal Warrant lays down the rates of pension payable in respect of the death of a member of the Forces. These rates are not related to the personal circumstances of the dead member and my right hon. Friend is not prepared to modify this principle. As the hon. Member is, I think, aware, a wife or dependant who is in receipt of a war service grant at the date of the member's death continues to receive the grant for any period during which the Service Department pays allotment and allowances, normally 13 weeks.
Miss WardIn view of the fact that real hardship very often arises, will the Parliamentary Secretary consult with the Departments concerned to see whether, as a matter of public policy, we can have an alteration in the treatment of wives and dependants?
§ Mr. PalingThe hon. Member knows that the war service grants were laid down for a very different purpose.
§ Mr. StephenWill not the Parliamentary Secretary make representations to his chief to get something done in the matter and to give justice?