Mr. BECKETTasked the Minister of Pensions whether, in the case of widows whose pensions are forfeited as the result of misconduct, he will consider the desirability of issuing Regulations limiting the period for which the pension is forfeited, so that widows, especially those with young children, may know that their pension will be restored if they give no further cause for complaint?
§ Major TRYONThe hon. Member's suggestion would not, I fear, be either administratively practicable or equitable. Each case has to be considered on its merits. The Special Grants Committee, with whom, in accordance with statutory provisions, all questions as to forfeiture rest, do not in fact forfeit pension in all cases of misconduct. Where this course can suitably be adopted, the pension is not forfeited, but administered in trust by the Committee, and even where the pension is declared to be forfeited, the Committee keep constantly under review all cases in which there appears to be any696W possibility of restoring the pension. I would point out also that forfeiture of a widow's pension does not carry forfeiture of any allowances in payment for her children.