§ Mr. NEWBOULDasked the Minister of Pensions why the award made to the mother of the late Private Willis Downes, No. 203285, York and Lancaster Regiment, who was killed in action on 19th July, 1917, should have effect only from 14th October, 1918?
§ Sir J. CRAIGWhere no separation allowance was in issue in the soldier's lifetime, parents' pension can only be awarded on application. In such cases it is the practice of the Ministry only to pay arrears as from the date of application, and it was for this reason that pension to the mother of Private Downes was not awarded as from the date of his death. On the general question, I would refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on the 12th August to the hon. Member for the Thornbury Division of Gloucester, of which I am sending him a copy.