HC Deb 04 February 1915 vol 69 cc144-5
82. Mr. RONALD M'NEILL

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that the dependants of many soldiers have not yet received any payment of separation allowance although the allotment papers were signed many weeks ago, and that this delay is causing hardship and consequent dissatisfaction, and is discouraging recruiting; and whether he will take immediate steps to put an end to the grievances arising from this cause?

Mr. BAKER

I am afraid that in some cases delay is inevitable, as the preliminary investigations made by the pension officer and local pension committee necessarily take time. Payment, however, is being expedited as much as possible, and in eases of hardship the Soldiers' and Sailors' Families Association are authorised to make advances on behalf of the War Office, recoverable from public funds.

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

In cases in which the Soldiers' and Sailors' Families Association have made such advances is the money due, when paid by the War Office, paid to the Soldiers' and Sailors' Families Association direct or is it paid to the dependants, and are the Soldiers' and Sailors' Families Association left to collect it if they can from them?

Mr. BAKER

The Soldiers' and Sailors' Families Association recover from the War Office.

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

Does the War Office pay the money to the Soldiers' and Sailors' Families Association or to those to whom the Soldiers' and Sailors' Families Association have already made payments?

Mr. BAKER

The Soldiers' and Sailors' Families Association pays the dependants and the War Office pays the Soldiers' and Sailors' Families Association.

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

Will the right hon. Gentleman make inquiries as to whether, in fact, the War Office does pay the money to the Soldiers' and Sailors' Families Association where that association has advanced the money to the dependants, because my information is that it does not, but that the War Office pays the dependants, and that the Soldiers' and Sailors' Families Association cannot recover?

Mr. BAKER

I will inquire what has actually happened. I have stated the terms of the authorisation.

Mr. RONALD M'NEILL

Since this delay appears to be regarded as inevitable, would it not be more honest for the War Office to inform dependants that they are likely to be left for some months to come without any support?

Mr. BAKER

That would give a very false impression indeed.