– in the House of Commons at on 16 December 1935.
asked the Minister of Pensions whether he will, in any circumstances, accept proof now of pre-war earnings, with a view to an alternative pension; and, if not, whether any alternative pensions have been awarded when earnings were not proved within the prescribed period?
My hon. Friend has no general power to extend the prescribed period. The Royal Pension Warrant recognises no exceptions save for the rare cases, which occurred only in the early years after the War, in which proof of pre-war earnings could not have been established earlier for "some cause over which the pensioner had no control."
Can the hon. and gallant Member say whether all pensioners were advised of the limited time in which they had to reply?
Not without notice.
asked the Minister of Pensions the number, during 1935, of widows' pensions granted by him and of applications for such pensions which he has refused?
During the 11 months ended 30th November last pensions were awarded to 655 widows of officers and of men of other ranks, and 1,141 claims were rejected.