§ Mr. C. DUNCANasked the Under-secretary of State for War whether he is aware that a first-class air mechanic named H. Renter, No. 18027, was killed while employed loading aeroplane trailers at a railway station on Thursday, 4th July; and whether the widow will be entitled to a pension?
§ Sir A. GRIFFITH-BOSCAWENMy right hon. Friend has asked me to reply to516W this question. A Court of Inquiry will be held by the authorities into the circumstances attending the death of H. Renter, and unless it is found that his death was due to his own serious negligence or misconduct his widow will be eligible for pension. She will continue to draw separation allowance for twenty-six weeks from the date of death, so that the question of awarding pension will not arise until January of next year.
§ Colonel STIRLINGasked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether warrant officers, non-commissioned officers, and soldiers who elected pensions under Army Order No. 1, of 1918, may be permitted to cancel their election on refunding the amount of pension and arrears paid to them, and to reckon their service towards pension as they would have been entitled to do had they not so elected?
§ Mr. FORSTERNo, Sir; the Royal Warrant definitely provides that the election, once made, is final.