HC Deb 30 July 1940 vol 363 cc1141-3
28. Mr. Debbie

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is now in a position to make a statement relative to an increase in allowances to soldiers' wives and dependants owing to the increasing difficulty of meeting their financial obligations?

Mr. Eden

As I informed my hon. Friend on 2nd July, I have the position under review. I have no further statement to make at present.

Mr. Dobbie

Is the Minister satisfied that the allowance made to a soldier and his wife is adequate to give them a decent standard of life?

Mr. Eden

I have said that I have the position under review. I cannot go beyond that.

Mr. Dobbie

Will the Minister be in a position to make a statement on the matter before Christmas? In view of the long delay and the many questions I have addressed to him on this subject, will he give us some idea when the matter will be dealt with?

Mr. Eden

I have told the hon. Member that the matter is under review. I hope to be in a position to make a statement next week; but I do not want to give an undertaking, because there are many matters to be considered in relation to this subject.

38. Mr. Mathers

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is now in a position to grant allowances to dependent children in a soldier's household who are not members of his family and not legally adopted?

Mr. Eden

Yes, Sir. It has now been decided that, for the period of the war, claims may in future be made for an allowance in respect of any child who is being brought up in a soldier's household at the expense of the soldier, and who has been so brought up and maintained for a period of at least six months prior to the claim being made, provided that no payment towards the maintenance of the child is being received from any other source.

Mr. Mathers

To what extent will these allowances apply retrospectively?

Mr. Eden

I am afraid I must have notice of that question.

Mr. Buchanan

Will the right hon. Gentleman see that steps are taken to make that decision known?

Mr. Eden

I think that the matter, in view of the announcement to-day, will no doubt receive a wider publicity.

Mr. Buchanan

The public do not know, and will the right hon. Gentleman take steps to give the matter greater publicity?

Mr. Eden

Yes, Sir, I am taking steps to see that the Forces themselves get to know about it.

Mr. G. Griffiths

Will those who have already applied for this allowance have to apply again, or will they get it as a result of their first application?

Mr. Eden

They will have to put in an application now.

Mr. Mathers

Will the right hon. Gentleman look into the question of back dating?

42. Mr. Dobbie

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the Government will continue to pay to the dependant of a member of the Armed Forces the voluntary allotment made to such dependant in the event of a member of the Forces being made a prisoner of war; and will such payment be continued to the end of the war?

Mr. Eden

The answer is "Yes, Sir," unless the soldier himself cancels the authority.

Captain Bellenger

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether, during the term that they are incarcerated in Germany as prisoners of war, other ranks are entitled only to this separation allowance, or are they being granted the same facilities which, I understand, are extended to officers, namely, the pay of their rank and merit allowances?

Mr. Eden

This is a question that I dealt with fully the other day, and perhaps my hon. and gallant Friend will put his Question down.