HC Deb 27 January 1948 vol 446 cc817-8
37. Mr. Douglas Marshall

asked the Minister of Pensions, with reference to the letter sent him by the hon. Member for Bodmin on 8th January, 1948, with regard to a killed-in-action gratuity being paid to the widow of Brigadier F. A. G. Roughton, C.B.E., whether he will now reconsider this matter.

Mr. Buchanan

The ultimate decision as to any payment to Mrs. Roughton rests with the Government of Burma. I am reconsidering the advice given last year to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations on the question of Mrs. Roughton's entitlement to a gratuity in addition to a widow's pension.

Mr. Marshall

While welcoming the Minister's reply, will he impress upon the Departments concerned to give sympathetic consideration to this case?

Mr. Buchanan

If I may say so, on reading the papers I thought that this was possibly the bravest man about whom I have ever read. If I personally had the power, I would do this at once. Unfortunately, I am bound by past Government decisions, and also by the fact that this is a Government of Burma decision. It partly put me to shame when I read the case.

Mr. Marshall

Thank you.

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