Mr. M. SCOTTasked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware that the Ministry of Pensions has ruled that where a soldier's dependant who was in receipt of a pension as being incapable of self-support and in pecuniary need, has been deprived of pension on the cessation of the incapacity and has received a final gratuity, the dependant is deprived of ail future right to pension, even though the incapacity returns and he or she is in financial need; and what is the reason for a ruling which abrogates the rights conferred by the Royal Warrant?
§ Major TRYONMy right hon. Friend is aware of this ruling which appears to him to be in accordance with the meaning and intention of the Warrant. In the circumstances mentioned the pension is displaced by what is specifically stated in Article 22 (1) of the Warrant to be a "final gratuity," an expression which connotes the total cessation of benefit.
§ Major PRESCOTTasked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware of the great dissatisfaction with regard to the inadequate flat rate disability pension for disabled men and war widows; whether he is aware that when the present flat rate pension was fixed the cost of living figure was 115; and if he is prepared to take action or have this rate revised at an early date?
§ Major TRYONI would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the answer given to the hon. Member for the Northern Division of Paddington (Mr. Perring) on the 1st November, a copy of which I am sending to him.