§ Mr. Gledhillasked the Minister of Pensions whether he will reconsider the case of parents who lose a son on war service who previously contributed to the household income, with a view to making some ex gratia payment to such parents, although they are not actually able to establish pecuniary need in accordance with the terms of the Royal Warrant?
§ Sir W. WomersleyThe provisions of the 1940 Royal Warrant governing the award of pensions to parents follow the recommendations made after prolonged consideration by the Statutory Advisory Committee of the Ministry earlier this year. The requirement of need is broadly interpreted in all cases where the son was contributing to the household support, and the parent who is otherwise eligible but is not in need is informed that he or she may at any time have the case reconsidered should his or her circumstances unfortunately change for the worse. I understand that the improved provision thus made in the opinion of the Government adequately meets the case.
§ Sir I. Fraserasked the Minister of Pensions whether, in view of the continuing increase in the cost of living, and having regard to the fact that increases of pay have been granted to serving soldiers, and more recently increased allowances have been granted for their families, and to the unemployed, and to the fact that wages have continued to rise, the Government will increase the pensions of veterans of the Great War and bring into line with them the pensions of men disabled in this war?
§ Sir W. WomersleyI would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the reply I gave on 8th instant to a similar Question by the hon Member for West-houghton (Mr. Rhys Davies), of which I am sending him a copy.