Mr. DAVISONasked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware that the widow of G. S Frampton, greaser, H.M.S. Yacht "Conqueror 2," has been refused a pension at naval rates on the ground that her husband did not sign the specified agreement to serve under the Admiralty as laid down under the Ministry of Pensions circular 177; whether he is aware that these forms were not available at the time Mr. Frampton 1923W signed on, and that the only agreement then in use for yacht patrol ratings was Form T. 124 B., which Mr. Frampton signed; and whether he will have inquiries made into this case with a view to the naval rate being allowed?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAI have been asked to answer this question. Awards of pensions by the Ministry of Pensions to Yacht Patrol ratings at the naval rate are limited to cases of men who agreed to become liable for general service under the Admiralty in any commissioned vessel. G. S. Frampton did not sign this agreement, and consequently his case cannot be dealt with by the Ministry. Proposals are at present under consideration, however, with a view to bringing the minimum pensions awarded by the Admiralty in such cases up to the Ministry of Pensions level, and if these proposals are approved Mrs. Frampton and her children will benefit accordingly.