§ Mr. E. Evansasked the Minister of Pensions how many applications for pensions have been made up to date in respect of casualties incurred during the present war; how many of such applications have been granted; and what provision exists for the reconsideration of those cases in which a grant has not been made?
§ Sir W. WomersleySome 3,382 claims from widows and orphan children, and 2,119 claims from parents and other dependants have been received in respect of death in the Fighting Services and in the Mercantile Marine, the Fishing Fleets and Pilotage services. Of the former, awards have already been made in 2,439 cases, and 440 are in hand. In the case of dependants, precise figures of the numbers of claims accepted cannot be given, as they include not only those eligible for immediate payment, but those also who will be eligible for payment at a later date as and when the applicants' circumstances justify a grant. With regard to the last part of the Question, a person who is aggrieved with a decision in his case can always apply for further consideration, and I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given to the hon. and gallant Member for Chatham (Captain Plugge) on 9th May.
§ Major Milnerasked the Minister of Pensions whether he is now in a position to make a statement as to the decision 680W of the Government on the recommendations of the Advisory Committee on War Pensions?
§ Sir W. WomersleyI am glad to be able to say that a Royal Warrant embodying the decisions of the Government will be issued in the course of a few days.