HC Deb 13 August 1919 vol 119 cc1322-3W
Commander BELLAIRS

asked the Pensions Minister whether he is aware that a number of complaints have been received from widows of sailors who put their boys to Greenwich Hospital School that the children's allowances are stopped as soon as the boys are entered at the School; whether he is aware that they have difficulty in getting the children's allowances, during the holidays; whether he is aware that the deducted money does not go to Greenwich Hospital funds, which exist for the benefit of the sailors; and whether he can say why the widows are deprived of the amounts, when education at Greenwich Hospital is supposed to be free for the children of naval men?

Sir J. CRAIG

Under Article 2 (4) of the Royal Warrant and Order in Council, in the event of a parent being wholly or partially relieved of the charge of a child by its maintenance in an institution wholly or mainly supported by public funds, the allowance granted on account of that child may be reduced to the extent of that relief. Consequently, when a child enters Greenwich Hospital School, which is supported by public funds, the allowance is suspended. Payment to the mother is resumed daring the holidays on application being made to Pension Issue Office.