HC Deb 22 April 1915 vol 71 cc395-6
41. Mr. JOWETT

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will bring in a short Bill with the object of excluding the amount allotted by a soldier out of his own pay to an aged parent, who is dependent on him, from consideration for the purpose of calculation of means under the Old Age Pensions Act?

Mr. LLOYD GEORGE

The position of old age pensioners who receive allotments, etc., has been receiving the most careful consideration, and a decision will shortly be arrived at.

78. Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKE

asked whether any further steps have been taken regarding the separation allowances for the wives and children of junior officers in the New Armies and the Territorial Force?

Mr. BAKER

Officers in the New Armies and in the Territorial Force are treated in this respect in the same way as Regular officers. I may point out that the pay of junior regimental officers has recently been materially improved, and that lodging and fuel and light allowances in addition have been specially authorised for all officers joining the Expeditionary Force.

Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKE

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that my question referred to separation allowances?

Mr. BAKER

So did my answer.

84. Mr. BUTCHER

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether separation allowance can be granted to a soldier's dependant in cases where the dependant has, owing to the loss of her husband or otherwise, become dependent on the soldier since the commencement of the War, and the soldier is willing to make an allotment out of his pay to such dependant; and whether he will state on what basis the pension officer and pension committee should in such cases fix the amount of separation allowance to be granted?

Mr. BAKER

Such cases are not within the definition of dependence laid down by the Select Committee, but would be a proper matter for assistance from voluntary funds. Possibly the new statutory body about to be formed may consider the question.