§ 22. Mr. Walter Edwardsasked the Secretary of State for Air why his Ministry allow only £5 towards the cost of a deceased airman's funeral when he is buried by his relatives, whereas the Army and the Ministry of Pensions allow £7 10s.; and will he rectify this anomaly.
§ Sir A. SinclairNo, Sir, there is no such anomaly. The practice of the Army and the Royal Air Force in this matter is the same. The maximum grant payable by the Ministry of Pensions, where an ex-member of the Forces dies of an injury or disease which is attributable to war service, is £10. This sum is not comparable with the £5 referred to by the hon. Member, which is a fixed grant additional to the provision of a coffin and free conveyance of the body to the home address.
§ Mr. EdwardsIf I can prove to my right hon. Friend that the rates are not the same for the Army and for the Air Force, will he rectify the anomaly?
§ Sir A. SinclairI shall be very glad to see my hon. and gallant Friend's information.