HC Deb 17 October 1946 vol 427 cc1029-30
1. Commander Noble

asked the Minister of Pensions how many forms does a Service widow have to fill in annually to obtain regular payment of her widow's pension, child's allowance and education grant, respectively; and on how many of these forms is she required to state that she is her husband's widow, etc.

The Minister of Pensions (Mr. Wilfred Paling)

I apologise for the length of this answer.

The widow of an other rank has to complete one form annually in order to secure payment of her pension and her children's allowances. On this form, which is required by Statute as a certificate of life, she has to state that she is the widow of the deceased member of the Forces and give particulars of identity. An officer's widow's pension is paid monthly or quarterly by the Paymaster-General by means of vouchers. On these she has to declare that she is the widow of the deceased officer. Allowances for children are payable quarterly by similar vouchers on which the widow has to declare her relationship to the children. One voucher for the widow and one for the children has to be attested annually as a certificate of life. The widow has annually to complete a form of application for payment vouchers for the ensuing year, but she is not required to state thereon that she is the widow of the deceased officer. I am taking up the question of simplifying the present arrangements in officer cases. Where an education allowance is awarded, a form has to be filled up annually. In addition, each term a statement has to be submitted showing the actual fees and expenses incurred.

Commander Noble

Is the Minister aware that having to give this information so Often is particularly worrying to certain people, some in particular; and will he do everything he can to cut this down to a minimum?

Mr. Paling

I think I shall be able to do something about it.

Mr. Godfrey Nicholson

In the analogous case of payment in respect of a deceased son, can the right hon. gentleman say how often a statement of means is required?

Mr. Paling

I should like that question put down.

Mr. Nicholson

Perhaps the right hon. Gentleman would let me know?