§ 26. Mr. Prescottasked the Minister of Pensions why pensioners of the South African War are subject to a means test.
§ Mr. Wilfred PalingThe widows of men who lost their lives through service in the South African War, and a substantial proportion of men pensioned for disablement due to service therein, are in receipt of pensions at the rates applicable to World War pensioners. These pensions are not subject to any means test. There are some disablement pensioners who did not qualify under the provisions which 31W were made for bringing South African War pensions to World War rates, because on medical examination it was found that with the passage of time their war disablement had become too slight to justify a pension under those provisions. These men retain their existing pensions and are, moreover, entitled to apply for their pensions to be increased under the Pensions (Increase) Warrants. Increases under these Warrants are subject to an income test, like those under the Pensions (Increase) Acts on which they are based.