HC Deb 12 July 1916 vol 84 cc314-5
54. Mr. MacCALLUM SCOTT

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether a soldier who can prove to the satisfaction of the authorities that he supported his mother prior to enlistment, but who, whether through negligence or through some relative supporting his mother, omitted to apply for a dependant's allowance for her till after December, 1915, is now prohibited from applying for an allowance?

Mr. FORSTER

The rule referred to by the hon. Member is not interpreted harshly, and many cases are favourably considered in which, owing to a genuine misunderstanding or some exceptional circumstances, the soldier omitted to claim separation allowance within the time prescribed in Regulations.

Mr. MacCALLUM SCOTT

If the soldier can show to the satisfaction of the military authorities that his parent was, as a matter of fact, dependent upon him, although he has delayed making application for the allowance, will he receive the allowance in that case?

Mr. FORSTER

Yes, I think in that case we should certainly allow the claim.

Mr. MacCALLUM SCOTT

The question which I asked was, if the soldier can show to the satisfaction of the military authorities that his parent was dependent on him as a matter of fact before he enlisted, will they then grant the allowance, even although he delayed making an application?

Mr. FORSTER

Yes, I think so—certainly.

Mr. CURRIE

In that case, will the allowance be retrospective, or is the hon. Gentleman only referring to the future?

Mr. FORSTER

I think it will have to date from the time when the application was made.

55. Mr. MacCALLUM SCOTT

asked whether a time-expired man who, before the passing of the second Military Service Act, voluntarily reenlisted for another term of service is penalised as compared with a new recruit by being prohibited from applying for a separation allowance for his dependants, if he had not already done so, even if he can prove prewar dependence?

Mr. FORSTER

If the hon. Member will furnish particulars of time-expired men who voluntarily reenlisted and who are desirous of claiming separation allowance for their dependants, the cases will be specially considered on their merits. It is not the intention that they should be penalised.