HC Deb 06 August 1924 vol 176 cc2959-60W
Major HORE-BELISHA

asked the Civil Lord of the Admiralty why widows of naval officers, who became such between 4th August, 1914, and 13th August, 1920, are not being allowed to participate in the benefits of the Pensions (Increase) Act, 1920?

Mr. AMMON

The Pensions Increase Act, 1920, does not apply to the widows of naval officers, but under the Order in Council dated the 13th August, 1920, the widows of naval officers who became pensionable between the 4th August, 1914, and the date of the Order in Council are allowed to participate in its benefits to the extent of the difference, if any, between the scale of pension awarded and the corresponding post-War scale. As the hon. Member will realise, the great majority of widows who were pensioned between the dates mentioned were pensioned by the Ministry of Pensions on scales superior, both as regards themselves and their children, to either the pre-War or the post-War scales.