Major EDWARDSasked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether, in 1698W May last, an undertaking was given to a deputation of ex-soldiers and sailors to reconsider the question of war gratuities; whether the matter has been reconsidered; and, if so, what is the result?
§ Mr. FORSTERYes, Sir; and on 14th August a letter was sent to the effect that, after very careful review, it was regretted that no further concessions could be made.
§ Mr. WATERSONasked the Pensions Minister if he will consider the advisability of making the payment of £1 gratuity in respect of each child whose father was killed or reported missing in the War a retrospective one instead of 1st; May, 1918?
§ Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANSThe question of making the grant of the £1 gratuity retrospective was considered when the Royal Warrant of April, 1918, was being prepared, and it was then decided that the grant should only apply where the death occurred on or after 1st May, 1918. I am not prepared to reopen the question. I would remind the hon. Member that the gratuity is an additional benefit and was given for the definite purpose of helping the widow to meet expenses at the time of the soldier's death.