HC Deb 01 August 1916 vol 85 c26
41. Mr. WATSON

asked whether the Military Service (Civil Liabilities) Committee are declining to grant relief to, or to entertain any claims by, wives of soldiers who have no children, even if such wives are unfit to work; and, if so, for what reason the Committee adopt this course?

Mr. HAYES FISHER

No, Sir. The Committee are not declining to grant assistance to wives of soldiers who have no children where the wives are unfit to work.

Mr. WATT

Is it the usual practice of this Committee never to give a grant if there is more than £2 per week after paying the rent?

Mr. HAYES FISHER

The Committee has not been authorised by the Chancellor of the Exchequer to give a grant when the amount is larger than £2 per week. That was thought to be a very considerable concession at the time and a concession for which we have received hundreds of letters of gratitude.