HC Deb 17 October 1916 vol 86 cc405-6W
Mr. O'SHEE

asked the Secretary of State for War whether an application for a pension has been received from the widow of Corporal Weekes, of Dungarvan, county Waterford, who has been killed in action, and, if so, what action has been taken on it?

Mr. FORSTER

If my hon. Friend will give me the full name, regiment, and regimental number of Corporal Weekes, I will have inquiry made into the case of his widow.

Major NEWMAN

asked the Secretary of State for War whether a scale of gratuity and pension for officers disabled as the result of frostbite has been determined; and, if so, can he state the gratuity and pension to which a subaltern officer would be entitled who had lost by amputation all his toes and a portion of the ball of one foot?

Mr. FORSTER

The question is still under consideration.

Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKE

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether he is aware that the view of the Statutory Committee is to the effect that they have no power to advance money for emigration purposes out of State funds; and whether, seeing that this view conflicts with the undertaking given to the House when the Bill setting up the Statutory Committee was passing through Parliament, he can see his way to make a pronouncement on the subject?

Mr. HAYES FISHER

The Statutory Committee have not at present as a body expressed any opinion as to their power to advance money for emigration purposes out of State funds. The only undertaking given to the House when the Bill setting up the Statutory Committee was passing through Parliament was that the Act would contain the power to make Grants for emigration, but it was distinctly stated that the power could only be exercised if funds for this purpose were placed at the disposal of the Statutory Committee. If the Statutory Committee decide that it, is desirable to advance money for emigration purposes out of State funds it will be open to them to do so, subject to the consent of the Treasury.

Mr. PERCY HARRIS

(Paddington, S.) asked the Secretary to the Local Government Board whether the agreement as to the treatment of disabled men between the Statutory Committee and the Insurance Commissioners can actually be made effective unless the Commissioners obtain the necessary Exchequer Grants and the co-operation, where necessary, of the War Office and Admiralty?

Mr. HAYES FISHER

The agreement with reference to the treatment of disabled men after they are discharged from the Service is, of course, subject to the necessary funds being provided, and in the supplementary answer that I gave to the hon. Member for Stockport on 10th October I stated that the scheme had yet to receive the assent of the Treasury. The scheme covers England, Scotland, and Wales. Other arrangements are in progress with regard to Ireland. Before the scope of the scheme can be settled or its operation commenced the decision of the War Office as to the extent of the use of military hospitals must be ascertained and the full co-operation of that Department and of the Admiralty must be secured.