HC Deb 21 January 1942 vol 377 cc381-2W
Mr. Kirby

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he will consider a resolution passed by the Liverpool City Council, on 3rd December, 1941, expressing the opinion that the scale of pensions under the Personal Injuries (Civilians) Scheme, 1941, for the dependants of civilians, particularly those engaged in Civil Defence duties, killed by enemy action is wholly inadequate, and consider amending the scheme in a way that will increase such pensions to a point commensurate with the dependants' loss of support and in accord with public opinion on this matter?

Sir W. Womersley

A reply to the resolution passed by the Liverpool City Council was sent by my Department on 13th December. As I have previously explained, the scales of widows' pensions and allowances under the Personal Injuries (Civilians) Scheme are the same as those for widows of private soldiers in the Army and I should not feel justified in recommending a departure from this relationship.

Mr. R. Morgan

asked the Minister of Pensions whether his attention has been drawn to the case of Mr. W. Peake, of 164, Broomwood Road, Clapham Common, S.W.11, who was employed by the Board of Inland Revenue as a collector of taxes at a salary of £650 per annum, but who, as a result of an accident which occurred whilst he was inspecting the damaged premises of his office after a bomb had exploded outside, has had to be compulsorily retired on grounds of ill-health at a pension from the Inland Revenue authorities of £98 8s. 5d. per annum, and who has been refused a grant from the Ministry of Pensions on the ground that his injury cannot be regarded as coming within the Personal Injuries (Civilians) Scheme; and whether, as his accident occurred whilst inspecting air-raid damage on behalf of the Inland Revenue authorities, he will review the whole case with a view to Mr. Peake receiving a proper allowance from the State?

Sir W. Womersley

In the time available it has not been possible to obtain the case papers from our office in the North. I am inquiring into the case and will write to the hon. Member as soon as possible.