HC Deb 03 March 1915 vol 70 cc775-7
10. Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKE

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware of the hardships that follow the non-granting of separation allowances to the wives of men who have reached warrant rank in the Royal Navy; and whether he can see his way to give the same privileges in this respect to warrant officers, Royal Navy, as is now given to men who have reached that rank in the Royal Marines?

Dr. MACNAMARA

This matter is under consideration by the Select Committee.

Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKE

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that he gave me the same answer some months ago?

Dr. MACNAMARA

I do not think it could be the same some months ago. We made representations to the Select Committee, and I issued a memorandum which included that point.

84. Sir J. LONSDALE

asked if soldiers dependants whose claims for separation allowances are refused will be informed of the reasons for such refusal; and if the War Office will acknowledge as a dependant entitled to separation allowance an aunt or niece or nephew or a woman who has reared from infancy a boy who since he grew up has been contributing to her support?

The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the WAR OFFICE (Mr. Harold Baker)

I will consider the suggestion in the first part of the question. The case referred to in the second part is covered by the recommendations of the Select Committee, which have been adopted by His Majesty's Government.

96. Mr. NEEDHAM

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office which regulation permits the allowance to a dependant being diminished or discontinued in the case of a soldier being imprisoned, with the indirect effect of punishing also the dependant; and, if it is not the intention to punish the dependant, whether instructions will be given which will prevent the allowance from being diminished or discontinued?

Mr. BAKER

As I stated in a reply to the hon. Member for East Edinburgh on 25th February, it has been decided that separation allowance shall continue in these cases so long as the soldier remains in the Army, and the necessary instructions are being issued.

100. Mr. HOGGE

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office what steps are being taken to acquaint the soldier of the conditions of the new separation allowances; and whether the men serving abroad have had intimation made to them of the new payments?

Mr. BAKER

New leaflets are being issued this week and will be distributed not only to the public through post offices but to the troops at home and abroad.