HC Deb 23 June 1942 vol 380 cc1814-5
58. Mr. James Griffiths

asked the Minister of Pensions; whether he will reconsider his decision not to grant a pension to Mrs. Whitehouse, Cardiff, whose only son was killed whilst doing voluntary duty as a fire-watcher; and, if the provisions of the existing Act make that impossible, whether he proposes to amend the Act so as to provide a pension in cases like this?

The Minister of Pensions (Sir Walter Womersley)

Under the Personal Injuries (Civilians) Scheme a parent's need pension can be granted only if, amongst other conditions, the deceased person had been contributing to his parents' support, and this condition is not fulfilled in the case to which my hon. Friend refers. I am, however, giving further consideration to the principle involved in order to see whether any modification is desirable.

Mr. Griffiths

In that consideration will any action that the Minister may take cover cases of this kind?

Sir W. Womersley

Certainly. If there is any alteration, it is bound to be retrospective.