§ 4. Mr. William A. Stewardasked the Minister of Pensions if he will consider supplementing pensions of war widows in cases where the husband was serving with the Commonwealth or Empire forces and the basic widow's pension is paid by the Commonwealth or Empire Government concerned, bearing in mind that if the husband had served with the British Forces the pension would be a charge to the British taxpayer.
Mr. AmoryNo, Sir. The responsibility for widows' pensions in respect of deaths resulting from service with the Commonwealth Forces is entirely the responsibility of the Commonwealth Government. I have no power to supplement these pensions.
§ Mr. StewardWill the Minister give consideration to one of my constituents who, having lost her husband while serving in the First World War with the Commonwealth Forces, then lost her son in the Second World War, and is in receipt of only a 5s. pension from the Ministry? Does he really think that is adequate?
Mr. AmoryOf course, one has every sympathy with my hon. Friend's constituent who has suffered two bereavements on account of her husband's and son's death. He will realise that the basis of parents' pensions is need, and the amount of 5s. awarded represents the maximum pension available under the needs scheme, which probably considers as income the amount of pension which Mrs. Schaab receives from the New Zealand Government. I am afraid, therefore, that there is no possibility under the regulations of awarding a more generous pension.
§ Mr. Leslie HaleWill the hon. Gentleman bear in mind that the basic figure for these pensions was fixed on something which is clearly out of date and was one of the special matters which should have been reviewed, and indeed was under review by the hon. Gentleman's predecessor at the time when the change of Government took place?
Mr. AmoryThat is one of the important questions that most certainly will be included in the review I am making.