§ Mr. N. MACLEANasked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware that Private James Gray, No. 8/6840, who died in Bellahouston Hospital from his pensionable disability, valvular disease of the heart, on 9th February, 1925, was in 1542W receipt of 100 per cent. pension; that his widow, Mrs. J. Gray, 18, Holm Street. Govan, entered her claim for widow's pension and pensions for her children on 11th February, 1925, on the necessary form issued for the purpose, and forwarded the death certificate and also marriage and birth certificates; that the regional headquarters is insisting that she shall fill up forms M.P.L.C. 42 (Statement by Approved Society), two forms M.P.A.O. 41 (Certificates by Pre-War Employers and Employers since Discharge), form M.P.A.O. 39 (Certificate by Pre-enlistment Medical Attendant), form M.P.A.O. 38 (Certificate by Medical Attendant since Discharge or Demobilisation): that these forms are for men making a first claim for pension, and that the widow has had to apply for Poor Law relief for herself and children; and whether, in view of the fact that her deceased husband was in receipt of a pension, 100 per cent., that he died in a Ministry of Pensions hospital, and that Mrs. Gray has claimed on the form issued by the Ministry of Pensions for the purpose, he will instruct the issue of pension without further delay?
§ Viscount CURZONI understand that the man referred to died nearly nine years after his discharge from service on account of a disability which was worsened, but not caused, by his war service. In order to determine the class of pension (if any) to which the widow would be entitled in such a case, the further evidence referred to was, under medical direction, required. In the meantime it was found possible, however to give a medical certificate which enabled the case to be dealt with under Article 17A of the Royal Warrant, and pending the final settlement of the matter, an advance of pension amounting to 37s. 6d. a week was authorised.