§ Mr. J. Dugdaleasked the Minister of Pensions how many applications for war service grant have been received by his 1998W Department since the scheme came into operation; and whether applications are spread evenly throughout the Army?
§ Mr. PalingDown to 10th October about 664,000 applications had been received from persons serving in the Army. I regret I am unable to say how these applications are distributed, except that officers do not appear to avail themselves fully of their rights under the scheme.
§ Sir C. Edwardsasked the Minister of Pensions whether, in addition to payments based on the needs of parents for the loss of sons who were killed whilst serving their country, he will consider making a lump sum payment in all cases so as to meet the expenses of the family consequent upon the loss and to provide for the usual expenses in cases of death?
§ Sir W. WomersleyProvision is made for the payment of any allotment and allowance in issue from the Service Departments to continue for a period of thirteen weeks after the date of the member's death. The burial is, of course, carried out by the military authorities. In view of these arrangements I do not consider that any lump sum payment is either necessary or justified.