War Widows: Ex Gratia Pension Payment

Lord Stirrup Excerpts

Tuesday 5th March 2024 Lords Chamber

[Lord Harlech (Con)]

I thank the noble Baroness for that question. We do need people to apply because, in line with legislation, once an individual is no longer in receipt of payments from the MoD, the MoD will not update its records on an ongoing basis. Therefore, crucial information such as their address, bank details and surname may not be current. The information requested on the application will enable the MoD to cross-check with the records that it holds and verify an applicant’s eligibility.

[Lord Stirrup (CB)]

My Lords, I am sure that the noble Lord the Minister finds himself personally in considerable difficulty seeking to defend this position— I realise that he could not possibly comment—but why on earth do the Government insist on continually painting themselves into morally indefensible bureaucratic corners?

[Lord Harlech (Con)]

I will take on board what the noble and gallant Lord says.