§ Mr. MYERSasked the Minister of Pensions if he is aware that the pension previously paid on account of the children of the late Private William Valentine Johnstone, No. 16,112, 9th Battalion West Riding Regiment, has been discontinued on the ground that death could not be considered to be due to military service; that the late soldier's pension certificate, Army Form D. 416a, dated 16th September, states definitely that on his discharge he was entitled to payment of a total disablement pension; that, as the result of his wounds, the late soldier was unable to resist illness or in the end to recover from illness, and that he has left five children, aged 13, 12, 9, 8, and 6, respectively, without means for their mainten- 2094W ance now that the pension has been stopped; and whether he will make inquiries into this case with a view to reversing the decision to discontinue the pension?
§ Major TRYONMr. Johnstone was discharged in July, 1916, on account of the effects of a gun-shot wound and deafness. He died in February, 1919, of influenza. His disablement pension ceased at his death; and as the disease of which he died was regarded as not having been contracted or commenced on active service, his dependants could not be awarded pension under the Royal Warrant. Further consideration is, however, being given to the case, and I will let the hon Member know the result.