§
Motion made, and Question proposed,
That a Supplementary sum, not exceeding £51,510, be granted to His Majesty, to defray the charge which will come in course of payment during the year ending on the 31st day of March, 1945, for war pensions and allowances (including cost of treatment) arising out of the war of 1914–18 to merchant seamen and fishermen and their dependants and the administrative expenses connected therewith.
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport (Mr. Noel-Baker)During the last year the rate of Service pensions paid to combatants of the last war was increased, and it was felt that pensions paid to ex-merchant seamen and their relations arising out of the last war ought to be similarly increased. There are 2,300 cases, of which we have dealt up to date with about 1,300. The increase takes effect as from 1st October last. This sum covers up to the end of this financial year. In a full year it will be, we think, about £100,000.
§ Question put, and agreed to.
§ Resolutions to be reported upon Tuesday next; Committee to sit again upon Tuesday next.