HC Deb 14 December 1922 vol 159 cc3176-7W
Sir J. NORTON-GRIFFITHS

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he will reconsider the case of Mrs. Phillips, the widow of the late Private John Phillips, No. 250, Royal Marines, whose pension was stopped in July, 1921, with a view to restoring the same or making provision for her seven children, who are now dependant upon charity?

Major TRYON

This man was discharged from the Navy in 1914 and died three years later from a disease which could not be regarded as due to service. As the right of appeal had not at that time been conceded to widows, Mrs. Phillips applied to the Special Grants Committee, who granted her a special allowance, subject to periodic review, under the Regulations then existing. In 1921 the Committee decided that in the circumstances of the case the continuance of the allowance to the widow could no longer be justified. I may add that the refusal of pension by the Ministry has recently been confirmed by the Pensions Appeal Tribunal.