HC Deb 21 February 1916 vol 80 cc433-4
93. Mr. BUTCHER

asked why compensation allowance at the rate of 4d. a week for a wife and 1d. a week for each child, in accordance with War Office letter 16/3,005 (Q. M. G. F. a), is not allowed to the families of men on the married establishment who returned home from abroad at the beginning of the War in the same way as it is allowed to the families of men on the married establishment who were then stationed at home; and whether, in view of the fact that this compensation allowance was given on account of the increased cost of living under civilian conditions over the cost in barracks, it would be proper to give this allowance to the families now excluded?

Mr. FORSTER

This allowance was given as compensation to families who were actually removed from public quarters for public reasons, at a time when the liberal rates of separation allowance now given were not in existence. It is not proposed to extend it.

Mr. BUTCHER

Is it not a hardship that those who were serving abroad should be relieved by so much less than those who were serving at home at the beginning of the War?

Mr. FORSTER

I do not think so, because the families of man serving abroad who returned to this country are receiving the full separation allowance.

94. Mr. BOOTH

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office if he is aware that Richard Francis, sergeant of the 3rd Northamptonshires, was discharged after serving ten years with the Colours without a total disablement pension; whether Francis was brought back wounded an 9th May, 1915; whether he is aware that Francis rejoined his regiment in September at Gillingham, that he was run over by a motor lorry on 28th October and was taken to Chatham military hospital, that his wife received her last separation allowance on 10th January and is now starving, and that Francis is still in hospital; and if the object of this treatment is to put the burden upon the insurance approved society?

Mr. TENNANT

I am having inquiry made into this case, and will in due course let my hon. Friend know the result.

Mr. W. THORNE

Is the right hon. Gentleman prepared to inquire into other cases that have been mentioned?

Mr. TENNANT

I am always open to inquire into any cases brought forward by my hon. Friend.