§ Lieut.-Colonel HENEAGEasked the Minister of Health how many cases of widows and children in the County of Lindsey, under the Widows', Orphans', and Old Age Contributory Pensions Act, are still under consideration; and how many of these applicants applied before January, 1926?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINI regret that the information asked for by my hon. and gallant Friend is not available, as the claims are not arranged on a territorial basis. I can, however, assure him that all possible steps are being taken to expedite the decision of outstanding claims. Where pensions are awarded in these cases payment will, of course, be made as from 5th January.
§ Sir B. FALLEasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether the wives of naval (lunatic) ratings will be permitted to pay the National Health and Pension contribution themselves, if so desirable, in order to become eligible for the widows' pension under the new Act?
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Mr. CHAMBERLAINI have been asked to reply. Naval ratings discharged owing to mental incapacity will remain insured for Widows' and Orphans' Pensions without payment of further contributions so long as the incapacity continues, provided that 104 contributions have been paid at some time since their last entry into insurance. If in any case the number of contributions already paid is less than 104, the wife may pay the balance on behalf of her husband in accordance with Regulations, particulars of which I will send to my hon. and gallant Friend.