Oral Answers to Questions — Naval and Military Pensions and Grants. – in the House of Commons at on 1 February 1940.
Mr. Graham White:
asked the Minister of Pensions why mothers who have lost supporting sons in naval action at sea are refused pensions under the existing regulations if they are in receipt of a widow's pension of 10s. a week?
Mr Walter Womersley
, Grimsby
The receipt of a widow's pension of 10s. a week would not of itself debar a mother, otherwise eligible, from an award of parent's pension under the Order-in-Council of 21st September, 1939, but it would be taken into account together with all other items of income in determining whether she was in pecuniary need.
Mr George Buchanan
, Glasgow Gorbals
Will not the Minister try to devise some scheme to exempt from whatever goes into the family at least the widow's pension?
Mr Walter Womersley
, Grimsby
These matters are being considered by my advisory committee, and until I get a report I am not prepared to make any statement.
Mr George Buchanan
, Glasgow Gorbals
Can the hon. Gentleman state when the advisory committee are likely to report and when we can hear from him the result of their advice?
Mr Walter Womersley
, Grimsby
I am asking the committee to get on with the work as quickly as possible. It is a matter which needs careful consideration, and I am certain that the committee will report as soon as possible.
Mr Rhys Davies
, Westhoughton
Will the hon. Gentleman ask his advisory committee to bear in mind that the widow's pension has been paid for by contributions?
Ministers make up the Government and almost all are members of the House of Lords or the House of Commons. There are three main types of Minister. Departmental Ministers are in charge of Government Departments. The Government is divided into different Departments which have responsibilities for different areas. For example the Treasury is in charge of Government spending. Departmental Ministers in the Cabinet are generally called 'Secretary of State' but some have special titles such as Chancellor of the Exchequer. Ministers of State and Junior Ministers assist the ministers in charge of the department. They normally have responsibility for a particular area within the department and are sometimes given a title that reflects this - for example Minister of Transport.
