§ 5. Dame Irene Wardasked the Minister of Defence if he is aware that the increase of non-attributable widows' pensions for 983 lieutenants and captains by 255 per cent. and 230 per cent., respectively, over 1939, sitll leaves the beneficiaries eligible for National Assistance in many cases; and if he will, therefore, take steps to raise the recent 5 per cent. increase to 10 per cent. in accordance with the uniform increases under the Pensions Increase Acts and the Royal Warrant.
§ Mr. BirchI have been asked to reply.
My right hon. and learned Friend explained to my hon. Friend in his letter of 28th March why it is proposed to make a 5 per cent. increase in the "ordinary" pensions of officers' widows. I have nothing to add to that letter.
§ Dame Irene WardIn view of the fact that my right hon. Friend rightly took such credit for increasing the prosperity of the industrial worker, could the Secretary of State say why he is treating these widows in the meanest of mean ways? Is it because they have no big battalions to ride the Minister down?
§ Mr. BirchI should hesitate to intervene between my hon. Friend and my right hon. and learned Friend in such a deep and painful subject as that of the non-attributable widow. I think that my hon. Friend will have to fight it out with him.