asked the Minister of Pensions if he will reconsider the claim to pension of Mrs. Whiteside, mother of the late Private Thomas Whiteside, No. 10,653, Scots Guards, who, at the date of his death in 1929, was in receipt of a pension based on an assessment of 80 per cent, of total disablement; and whether, in the event of a pension being inadmissible under the Royal Warrant, he will sanction a grant from his Voluntary Fund?

This case has been very carefully considered on more than one occasion, but a pension is not admissible under the Royal Warrant as the late soldier's death was not due to any dis- ability resulting from his War service. I am afraid that the case does not come within the scope of the small Voluntary Fund associated with the Ministry.

asked the Home Secretary whether he will consider the advisability of increasing the prison staffs in order that they may better cope with the type of dangerous criminals now detained in custody in some of His Majesty's prisons?

The staffs of the various prisons are being constantly reviewed. The point to which the hon. Member calls attention will, of course, be kept prominently in mind, and if at certain establishments and at certain times increase of staff is necessary, such increase will be made.