§ Mr. Buchananasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware of the decision given on the 11th May by the High Court of Justice, King's Bench Division, on a claim for a widow's pension by a Mrs. Donovan, allowing the appeal; and whether it is the intention of the Department of Health to operate the decision given, and, if so, to review any claims which have been refused in the past?
§ Mr. Stephenasked the Secretary of State for Scotland, in view of the decision in the Divisional Court in the case of Donovan versus National Amalgamated Approved Society, what steps he intends to take to have all cases reviewed where pension has been refused under circumstances similar to that of Mrs. Donovan, with a view to the granting of pension in all such cases?
Mr. WedderburnThe attention of my right hon. Friend has been drawn to the decision to which the hon. Members refer, and he is advising approved societies that the decision should be treated as affecting Scottish insured persons. It is his intention to review all cases which have been noted or which may be brought to light in which, having regard to this decision, a claim might now succeed.