HC Deb 11 July 1917 vol 95 cc1935-7W
Mr. FARRELL

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether, in the case of men invalided on account of wounds or disease due to the War, the King's Bounty of 4s. 8d. a day for six months is the only pension they receive; whether in every such case there is subsequent inquiry made to determine whether the soldier is to receive a permanent pension or is he to be left to come on the local rates or go into the workhouse?

Mr. BARNES

All men invalided on account of wounds or disease due to the War receive pensions for life. I am not aware of any provision such as that referred to being now in operation. The cases which the hon. Member has in mind are doubtless cases where the disability is not attributable to or aggravated by service in the War. In such circumstances gratuities are awarded and arrangements are being made for providing free hospital treatment also, where necessary.

Mr. MacCALLUM SCOTT

asked the Pensions Minister whether illegitimate children are eligible for an increase of separation allowance as dependants under Statutory Committee Regulations, Part II., 7 (1) (d), as amended?

Mr. BARNES

The cases to which the hon. Member presumably refers are those in which separation allowances are granted to illegitimate, children as dependants under paragraph 75 (b) of the Regulations. In such cases the Statutory Committee would be prepared to authorise allowances under Part II., Regulation 7 (1) (d).

Mr. BYRNE

asked the Pensions Minister if he will cause inquiries to be made into the delay in granting a pension to the dependants of Private Joseph Kelly, No. 4876, Irish Guards, who was killed in action on 25th February, 1915; if he is aware that the local pensions committee in Londonderry allowed the mother 10s. per week, and that she has since died, leaving three cripples, brothers and sister of the soldier, unprovided for; if he is aware that previous to joining the Army the soldier was the sole support of the home, and when joining the Army made an allowance to his mother for the support of herself and his invalid brothers and sister; and if he will see that their claim for pension is favourably considered?

Mr. BARNES

Mrs. Kelly was in receipt of a pension of 10s. a week in respect of her late son. Upon her death pension at the rate of 5s. a week, being the maximum for a dependant other than a parent, was transferred to the soldier's brother. The case has been referred to the Statutory Committee who are in communication with the local committee with the view of ascertaining whether the case is one in which a supplementary allowance can be granted under the Regulations.