§ Mr. SMEDLEY CROOKEasked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been called to tie large number of widows of disabled ex-service men who, because their husbands died from causes other than those for which disability pensions had been granted, are disallowed widows' pensions alder the Royal Warrant, and who, as their husbands were unable to follow an insurable occupation owing to their disability, are denied widows' pensions and under the Act, and who consequently have to be maintained by the Public Assistance Board; and will he take steps to adjust his hardship?
§ Sir K. WOODThere is provision in the contributory pensions scheme for enabling insurance to be maintained 2953W during periods of incapacity and genuine unemployment. Where incapacity or genuine unemployment cannot be established, the position can be safeguarded by voluntary insurance and the Contributory Pensions Act of 1925 provided that the contributions due from a pensioned ex-service man who became a voluntary contributor might, with his consent, be paid by the Minister of Pensions and deducted from his pension.