HC Deb 23 May 1944 vol 400 cc556-7
12. Miss Ward

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, under the new proposals for allowances to officers, Schemes A and B are to be discontinued; and to what extent it is estimated that under Scheme C in total all ranks will be better off than under Scheme A.

Sir J. Grigg

The answer to the first part of the Question is, "No, Sir." Any officer who wishes to continue to draw family lodging allowance under Schemes A and B may do so, and I assume that only those officers who will benefit by the change will exercise their option to transfer to Scheme C.

Miss Ward

Can my right hon. Friend say if officers who previously opted for Scheme A will now have the right to transfer?

Sir J. Grigg

I think they have a new option now.

13. Mr. Bellenger

asked the Secretary of State for War whether a married woman drawing marriage and child allowance will be treated for purpose of marriage allowance as a childless wife as soon as her child's allowance ceases consequent on the child taking paid employment.

Sir J. Grigg

When the only or last child leaves school the wife's allowance is reduced to the rate for a childless wife.

Mr. Bellenger

Does the Minister realise that he will create a considerable amount of dissatisfaction among mothers when they find that because their children leave school the marriage allowance drops by 3s. a week?

Sir J. Grigg

I think that is covered by the general consideration which was announced in the White Paper, namely, that when that drop involves hardship there is always open the possibility of a war service grant

Miss Ward

Are any restrictions placed on the application for war service grant in these cases, or are any regulations laid down for the War Service Grants Committee?

Sir J. Grigg

I know of none, and I imagine that cases would be treated exactly in accordance with normal procedure.

Miss Ward

But does not my right hon. Friend realise that there are regulations governing the issue of war service grants? In these cases will the Committee have a clear field?

Sir J. Grigg

I am perfectly aware that there are regulations, and I see no reason why the ordinary regulations should not apply.

49. Squadron-Leader Sir Gifford Fox

asked the Prime Minister whether it has been decided to make any changes in the recently announced variations of pay and allowances affecting the Fighting Services to meet the grievances felt by the rank and file.

Sir J. Grigg

I have been asked to reply. The changes announced in the White Paper represent the considered decisions of the Government. I am not aware that there is any general dissatisfaction among the rank and file.

Sir G. Fox

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that certain married airmen are getting less total family income by way of pay and allowances than before the new arrangements came into operation?

Sir J. Grigg

If the question relates specifically to the Air Force, perhaps the hon. and gallant Gentleman will put it down to the Secretary of State for Air.

Sir A. Southby

Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that there is considerable feeling in the Forces regarding the fact that when a man is killed, his wife and children have their allowances reduced? Will he reconsider that question?

Sir J. Grigg

That is not the Question on the Paper.