HC Deb 02 June 1942 vol 380 cc524-5
59. Sir A. Southby

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury what payments are made to the widow of a civil servant who dies as the result of his service in the Armed Forces, over and above the standard pension payable by the Ministry of Pensions?

The Financial Secretary to the Treasury (Captain Crookshank)

There is no pension payable to the widow of a civil servant as such, but a gratuity ranging from 12 to 18 months' pay is payable to the legal personal representatives of an established civil servant of five years, or more, service. In the case of an unestablished civil servant with at least 15 years' service, a gratuity at the rate of one week's pay for each year served is payable to his dependants. These payments are made irrespective of whether the death occurred while the officer was serving with the Forces, or while he was in civil employment.

Sir A. Southby

How is it that in the case of civil servants their previous service entitles their widows to additional payments if they are killed whereas that rule does not apply in the case of flag officers from the Retired List who are now on active service for the duration of the war?

Captain Crookshank

The question of flag officers is another matter. I was dealing with civil servants.

Sir A. Southby

Will my right hon. and gallant Friend consider the principle involved?