HC Deb 14 October 1943 vol 392 cc1081-2W
Mr. Tinker

asked the Minister of Pensions how many cases he has reviewed for pensions under the new Royal Warrant; and what number of them have succeeded in their claims?

Sir W. Womersley

The review under the White Paper of a large number of claims previously rejected is proceeding as quickly as possible. Interim figures, however, would not accurately convey the effect of the changes in the conditions of entitlement and I should prefer, with the permission of hon. Members, to give the House more representative data at a later stage.

Mr. Lipson

asked the Minister of Pensions why he has refused a pension to the widow of Second-Lieutenant E. F. S. Dodd, who served in the last war when he was severely wounded and had to undergo 12 operations, was called up again in September 1942, passed fit for service and told he was as fit as a man of 25 years of age, then contracted influenza which turned to pleurisy and died of cancer on 24th February, 1943; and will he reconsider his decision and grant a pension to Mrs. Dodd who has to provide also for a young daughter?

Sir W. Womersley

I am looking into the case referred to by the hon. Member in the light of his latest letter to me, and I will write to him about it.

Mr. Bartlett

asked the Minister of Pensions whether the concession of an allowance for wives where the marriage has taken place after the disability will be granted in all cases?

Sir W. Womersley

The Government's policy in regard to this question was fully explained in the Debate on the White Paper (Command 6459), and I have nothing to add to the views then expressed.