HYDE PARK.
asked the First Commissioner of Works why the public are not allowed to walk across a piece of land in Hyde Park on which grass is now regrown, in view of the fact that football is allowed to be played by certain teams; whether he is aware that the playing of football on growing grass has a damaging effect, whereas the walking over growing grass does no harm, as can be proved by the experience of all green keepers on golf courses; and whether he can now see his way to open the land to the public, who have now been excluded for over a year?
Permission was granted for football to be played on the ground in question on one day a week only, provided that no serious damage was caused to the grass. As, however, some damage has occurred, the whole question will be reconsidered. It is hoped that the growth will be sufficiently strong to enable the fence to be removed early next summer, which will be approximately one year after it was erected.
MINE EXPLOSION, SANDGATE.
asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he can give the extent of the damage in connection with the recent Sandgate mine explosion; and if crews of ships have received instructions not to destroy floating mines on sight?
With regard to the first part of the question, I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the answer I gave to the hon. and gallant Member for Hythe (Sir P. Sassoon) on the 1st December, in which I stated that the Admiralty are unable to admit any liability for damage done to surrounding property by the explosion of mines washed ashore. The answer to the second part of the question is in the negative.
FEMALE DEPENDANTS.
asked the Minister of Pensions whether in the case of a widower who is in receipt of a pension for the loss of a son and marries a widow who is also in receipt of a pension for the loss of a son they will forfeit their pensions?
The Royal Warrant provides that pensions granted to female dependants shall cease on marriage or re marriage, though a gratuity is in such event allowed equal in amount to 26 weeks' pension at the rate provided by the 1918 Warrant in liquidation of the State's liability.
2ND MANCHESTER REGIMENT (LANCE-CORPORAL W. MOORE).
asked the Minister of Pensions if he is aware that the parents of Lance-Corporal William Moore, No. 89029, 2nd Manchesters, who was reported missing on 24th July, 1920. while serving in Mesopotamia, have no yet received any further information con firming his death or otherwise; whether he is aware that the separation allowance was reduced to 7s. 6d. per week on 5th October, 1920; and if, in view of the fact that both his father and mother are invalids with five children dependent upon them for support, he will have the case reviewed and, if possible, a larger pension awarded?
I regret that I have not yet been able to ascertain all the facts in this case, but I hope to be in a position to write fully to my hon. Friend at an early date.
PRE-WAR PENSIONS (REASSESSMENT).
asked the Secretary of State for War why pre-War pensioners who were civilian subordinates of the Army, and were compulsorily re tained in such employment, should not have their pensions reassessed and be granted the same gratuity as enlisted men performing the same work?
Reassessment of pension is limited by the Royal Warrant to men who gave satisfactory re-enlisted service. As stated in answer to numerous questions in this House, I regret it is not possible to depart from the general rule.
TERRITORIAL ASSOCIATIONS (PENSIONS).
asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the War Office whether, in considering the question of reassessment for pensions of secretaries of Territorial associations, he will also, consider the case of other ranks who are pensioners and are employed by Territorial associations.
Yes, Sir; the case of other ranks will also be considered. I can, however, make no promise of a favourable decision at this stage.
UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE ACT.
asked the Minister of Labour whether keepers, grooms, chauffeurs, and gamekeepers employed by private householders are to be treated as domestic servants under the Unemployment Insurance Act, 1920?
Formal applications for decisions, under Section 10 of the Act, as to the insurability of keepers, grooms, chauffeurs, and gamekeepers have been made. It is hoped to give decisions in a few days' time.