HC Deb 21 April 1920 vol 128 c414W
Brig.-General SURTEES

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware that serious injustice is being done and hardship caused by the fact that there are many cases where parties entered into engagements to marry prior to the outbreak of the War, but which were postponed through the man volunteering or being called up, many being wounded, yet honourably carried out their pledges, but have since died, leaving a widow and children, the said widow, however, being declared ineligible for a pension on the ground that she should not have married a wounded man; and whether he will consider the desirability of allowing such a pension providing the widow brings proof of a pre-war engagement?

Major TRYON

The adoption of this suggestion would involve a very serious departure from the principle on which the scheme of the Pensions Warrants is framed and my right hon. Friend is unable to entertain it.