§ Mr. GROVESasked the Minister of Pensions whether he will investigate the circumstances attending the refusals by the awards branch of a need pension to Mr. A. Strait, of 51, Louise Road, E.15, notwithstanding the fact that he lost both his sons, Private Horace Strait, No. 3,399, Royal Army Service Corps, and Sergeant Percy Strait, Essex Regiment?
§ Major TRYONPensions to parents under the terms of the Royal Warrants can only be granted if the claimants are incapable of self-support by reason of age or infirmity. In the case referred to the applicant did not claim to be incapable of self-support on these grounds. He is, moreover, in receipt of unemployment benefit, which is only payable to persons capable of and available for work. In these circumstances no award of pension is permissible under the provisions of the Royal Warrant.
§ Mr. GROVESasked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware that dependants of those who died on active service are refused consideration for need pensions if they are in receipt of unemployed benefit; and whether he will give his consideration for the alteration of such restriction?
§ Major TRYONThe qualification laid down by the Pension Warrants for this class of pension is that the applicant is incapable of self-support owing to age or infirmity. For unemployment benefit, on the other hand, it is a condition that the applicant must be capable of and available for employment.