HC Deb 23 April 1917 vol 92 cc2062-3W
Mr. FFRENCH

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if he is aware that Mrs. Bridget Prendergast, mother of Private John Prendergast, No. 11,462, D Company, Royal Irish Regiment, British Expeditionary Force, France, killed on the 3rd of September, 1916, got 5s. 5d. a week from the time her son enlisted until the 20th of March last, when it was reduced to 2s. 6d. a week; is he aware that Mrs. Prendergast applied for a lump sum instead of a pension soon after her son's death, and has not yet received it; and will he consider the advisability of raising the allowance of 2s. 6d. a week given as compensation for the loss of her son?

Sir A. GRIFFITH-BOSCAWEN

This case has been very carefully considered. The pre-war dependence cannot be held to have exceeded 2s. 6d. a week, and that sum is therefore the maximum pension which can be awarded. The sum of 5s. 5d. to which the hon. Member refers included a voluntary allotment from the soldier's pay while he was serving of 2s. 11d. a week, which was continued for twenty-six weeks after he was killed in action, according to the usual practice. Mrs. Prendergast had applied for a lump sum instead of pension, but as the amount which can be given is very small, owing to the small extent of pre-war dependence, the pension would appear to be more beneficial to her. If there is any special hardship involved Mrs. Prendergast should apply to. the local committee for further assistance.

Mr. R. McNEILL

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office if he is aware that Gunner M'Kay, No. 309119, 2/1st Lancashire Howitzer Battery, Royal Garrison Artillery, on joining the Colours in April, 1916, made an allotment in favour of his mother as dependant, but that Mrs. M'Kay received no payment in respect of such allotment until August, 1916, and has received nothing by way of separation allowance up to the present; and if he will give instructions for the immediate payment of the arrears due to Mrs. M'Kay and for the regular payment to her of the money to which she is entitled?

Mr. FORSTER

Inquiries are being made, and I will inform my hon. Friend of the result in due course.