asked the Minister of Pensions whether, in the case of a soldier reported wounded and missing and later reported missing and dead as from the date of being reported wounded and missing, the pension paid to his de pendant relatives should commence from the first date; and, if not, is soldier's pay paid for the interval between the two dates to those who were dependent on him?

In these cases any separation allowance in issue was continued by the Service Department for 30 weeks and pension awarded by my Department took effect from the cessation of that allowance. Where, however, a dependant was not eligible for separation allowance or had neglected to apply for it, pension is payable from the date of application only. I understand from my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for War that the answer to the last part of the question is that pay ceased from the date on which the soldier became missing, but if he was later presumed to be dead pay was credited up to the date of presumed death.