§ Mr. SITCHasked the Pensions Minister whether Private W. Turley, No. 17176, formerly in the Worcestershire Regiment, 13th Battalion, and transferred to the 11th Worcestershire Regiment, was awarded a pension of 22s. per week and died four days after his pension was issued; whether application was made on behalf of Mrs. Turley for the grant of a pension on the 14th January to the secretary, pensions issue office; and whether any action has yet been taken?
§ Sir JAMES CRAIGMrs. Turley was married to Private Turley after his discharge from the Army, and is therefore ineligible both for pension under the Warrant or for assistance from the Special Grants Committee under their Regulations. She has been so informed.
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§ Mr. SITCHasked the Pensions Minister whether Rifleman W. J. Taplin, No. 3359, 8th Battalion, Rifle Brigade, was killed in action on 20th September, 1916; whether his widow has applied for a gratuity and an alternative pension; whether she was informed on the 31st May last in respect of the gratuity that, owing to the magnitude of the work to be done therewith, the distribution of the gratuity to legatees or next-of-kin of deceased soldiers will of necessity take a considerable time, and has received no information with regard to the alternative pension; and whether he is now prepared to say when this case can be dealt with?
§ Sir J. CRAIGMrs. Taplin's claim to alternative pension was received by the Ministry from her local committee on 16th June, and an award of 35s. a week has been made and notified to Mrs. Taplin. The question of payment of the war gratuity due in respect of the soldier's service should be addressed to the War Office.