§ Mr. J. HUDSONasked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware that Mrs. Mary Ann Gallagher, of 7, Harris's Buildings, Northumberland Street, Huddersfield, is now to have 4s. 9d. a week deducted from her total pension of 7s. 10d. a week paid her in respect of her son, the late Private Gallagher, killed 26th April, 1915, as a consequence of her having been over-paid for two years an amount of 2s. 11d. weekly, due entirely to a mistake on the part of the pensions authorities; and whether he can recommend that the 3s. Id. pension which she now receives can be considerably increased, in view of the fact that she is without adequate means of subsistence?
§ Viscount CURZONThe pension awarded in this case is 9s. 6d. a week, not 7s. 10d., as suggested by the hon. Member. The over-payment referred to occurred, not for the reason stated in the question, but because of the failure on the part of the pensioner to disclose fully the information as to her means for which she had been asked. My right hon. Friend has, however, caused investigation to be made into the circumstances, and a modification of the present rate of recovery will be directed if, as seems probable on the information obtained, the circumstances are found to justify this course.