§ 30. Mr. J. L. Williamsasked the Minister of Pensions how many claims for a pension in the last seven years from the dependants of Servicemen who had committed suicide have been refused on the ground that death was neither due nor hastened by war service.
§ Mr. Wilfred PalingPrecise figures are not available but I estimate that, in the 206 period referred to, between 1,800 and 1,900 such claims have been received. Of these, in over 700 pension has been awarded, leaving about 1,100 in which pension has been refused.
§ Mr. WilliamsIs my right hon. Friend aware that there is great dissatisfaction with regard to this matter, because it is felt that the unbalancing of the minds of many of these men is linked up with the fact that they are away from their families on active service? Will he have the position considered?
§ Mr. PalingWe do deal with this type of case sympathetically as is witnessed by the fact that over 700 have received pensions.