§ 45. Lady Apsleyasked the Prime Minister whether, since the annual grant payable to a holder of the Victoria Cross is 1465 only £10 and has not varied since the institution half a century ago, he will, in connection with present-day values, increase this sum to £100, free of Income Tax, and in the case of the posthumous conferment of the honour, waive any test of the means of the next-of-kin?
§ The Deputy Prime Minister (Mr. Attlee)Provision already exists whereby the normal pensions of £10 and awarded to recipients' of the Victoria Cross and Bar respectively may, in cases of need, be increased to £75 in all. It is not considered that pensions on this scale are inadequate for the purpose for which they are intended. Except in the Indian Army, there are no pensions to next-of-kin.
§ Lady ApsleyDoes not my right hon. Friend think that since 1856, when the V.C. was instituted, there are real grounds for raising this amount?
§ Mr. AttleeIt is a matter for consideration, but I do not think there have been any particular complaints about it.
§ Sir I. AlberyWill the right hon. Gentleman give this matter further consideration?
§ Mr. AttleeCertainly, Sir.