HC Deb 03 July 1932 vol 156 c55W
Mr. RAWLINSON

asked the Minister of pensions whether his attention has been called to the case of C. G. Brown, No. 41786, Royal Air Force, who died in a military hospital near Cape Town on 18th February, 1918, while of unsound mind; whether a pension was paid to his widow until 1920, and then discontinued; if so, why the pension was so discontinued; and what was the certified cause of the deceased man's death?

Mr. MACPHERSON

A temporary allowance was in payment to the widow until November, 1919, when, after consideration of the reports obtained from South Africa, it was decided that her husband's death was not connected with his military service. This decision of the Ministry has been confirmed by the Pensions Appeal Tribunal, and is, therefore, final.

Mr. PERKINS

asked the Minister of Pensions whether the widow of a soldier who has committed suicide is debarred from any pension to which she might be entitled at his death, even in the case when the suicide was insane and such insanity may have resulted from his military service?

Mr. MACPHERSON

The answer is in the negative. Where the man's mental condition which caused him to commit suicide was due to his military service, his widow is eligible for consideration for an award of pension.