HC Deb 07 June 1944 vol 400 cc1336-7
24. Mr. Walter Edwards

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty for what time after he is reported missing is a voluntary allotment paid to the parents of a Royal Marine.

The First Lard of the Admiralty (Mr. A. V. Alexander)

An allotment which is in issue to a parent at the time a Royal Marine other rank is reported-missing is normally paid for a period of 26 weeks. If death is reported or presumed during the last nine weeks of this period, however, payment ceases from the time of notification of death, or presumption of death.

Mr. Edwards

Does not the right hon. Gentleman agree that it is most unjust, until a man is reported presumed killed, for the voluntary allotment to be stopped at all; and will he go into the question of the continuation of the allotment Until the casualty is announced to parents and allow for a provisional period afterwards?

Mr. Alexander

I think that question applies to all the Services and' ought to be addressed to the Minister of Pensions.