HC Deb 12 July 1916 vol 84 cc347-8W
Mr. J. P. FARRELL

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that the widow of Corporal P. M'Grath, 4th Leinster Regiment, recently deceased in Longford, who had fourteen years' service in the Army, had been deprived of her pension, which was the only support she had for four children, who, with her, are now wholly destitute; and whether he will represent her case to the Army Council or Royal Patriotic Fund for such grant as may enable her to support these orphans?

Mr. FORSTER

I wrote to my hon. Friend about this case on the 16th June, explaining that as the disease from which Corporal M'Grath died had no connection with his war service his widow was not entitled to a pension. I do not know why this woman is said to be wholly destitute, as she is entitled to separation allowance till nearly the end of September. If it appears that her husband's disability was aggravated by his war service her case will be considered before separation; allowance ceases.

Mr. MORRELL

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office if he will have inquiries made into the case of William Forbes, 44, Cleaver Street, Burnley, late private, No. 2848, Loyal North Lancashire Regiment, and particularly if he will ascertain whether this man first enlisted in 1895 and served through the South African War; whether he afterwards served nine years in the Army Reserve and reenlisted on the 19th August, 1914; whether he was discharged on account of wounds on the 10th September, 1915, with a pension of 12s. 6d. a week for six months; whether he was placed in a military hospital on the 2nd February, 1916, for an operation and discharged from there in a condition that left him totally unfit for work; whether he has lately received notice to the effect that his pension has expired, so that he is now without any means of support; and whether the Government will take any steps in the matter?

Mr. FORSTER

The man's service is as stated, and he was discharged on 10th September, 1915, with a pension of 12s. 6d. a week for six months. While in the military hospital his pension was 25s., less 1s. a day for each day actually in hospital in part payment of the cost involved. He was not totally unfit to work when he left hospital, the Medical Board assessing his impairment as one-half. Nor has he lately received notice that his pension has expired; it has, on the contrary, been renewed for six months at 12s. 6d. a week.