HC Deb 25 February 1915 vol 70 cc385-6
51. Mr. HOGGE

asked whether the new separation allowances in the case of London are increased by 3s. 6d. a week?

Mr. BAKER

Yes, Sir.

52. Mr. HOGGE

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War, whether he will consider paying in full the amount of dependence in all separation allowances without any deduction from the soldier's pay?

67. Mr. KEIR HARDIE

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether his attention has been drawn to the irregularities in the allowances made to dependants of soldiers other than wives; whether much of this is due to the varying sums calculated to have been given by a soldier to his dependant before enlisting; and whether he is prepared to recommend that this grievance be abolished by the substitution of an universal value for pre-enlisting dependence and thus remove what is at present a cause of hardship to many dependants and of much work to the pension officers?

Mr. BAKER

I would remind the hon. Members that these matters were before the Select Committee and that the Government has finally accepted the Committee's recommendations.

Mr. HOGGE

Will my hon. Friend make it quite clear in any future statement he makes that the soldier himself contributes the allotment which the Government allege they give as a separation allowance?

Mr. BAKER

I will see that the facts are properly stated.

Mr. KEIR HARDIE

Will my suggestion as to the substitution of a universal value be the basis?

Mr. BAKER

No. I understand that has been considered by the Select Committee and rejected.

Mr. KEIR HARDIE

When may we expect a decision?

Mr. BAKER

The decision is contained in the Report.

63. Mr. HOGGE

asked whether, when a soldier has his pay stopped for default, his dependants also lose their separation allowance for that period; and, if so, whether the War Office will consider the advisability of punishing the soldier only and not his dependants?

Mr. BAKER

It has been decided that separation allowance in these cases shall continue so long as the soldier remains in the Army.