WAR SERVICE GRATUITIES

Press, Volume LXXXII, Issue 24801, 15 February 1946, Page 2

WAR SERVICE GRATUITIES

UNMARRIED PERSONNEL NOW DEAD INDIVIDUAL CASES TO BE EXAMINED (P.A.) WELLINGTON. February 14. The policy that will be followed in determining payment ot war service gratuities in the case of unmarried deceased service personnel was given today by the Minister of Defence (foe Hon. F. Jones) in response to an inquiry. The inquirer asked whether, before the gratuity was paid in deceased servicemen’s cases, would it be necessary to prove that the serviceman was supporting the applicant either by way of allotment or voluntary deductions from his pay. .. The Minister said the regulations provided that the Minister of Defence might grant a gratuity or part of a gratuity to or for the benefit of such dependants of a deceased serviceman or such other person or persons in such manner and in such the Minister thought fit. The Minister would consider individually every case, and the facts as submitted in each case would guide him in his decision. “Obviously.” said the Minister, the claims of parents, both dependent on the serviceman before his death ana non-dependent, must be taken into account although cognisance will be taken of all other appropriate considerations.” The Minister added that it was not possible to say beforehand ! what decisions would be reached in any particular case. All who considered they had a just claim should make it on the prescribed form not later than March 31.