HC Deb 04 May 1916 vol 82 cc115-6
27. Mr. JACOBSEN

asked the President of the Local Government Board if he will issue the full text of the Government's new scheme of assistance for enlisted men as soon as possible, as local tribunals will be considerably influenced in many decisions they are called upon to make by the provisions proposed by the scheme?

Mr. LONG

I understand that full information with regard to the scheme will be available shortly.

Mr. HOGGE

Cannot my right hon. Friend define the period of time more accurately, because we are now discussing a Bill affecting these men, and we ought to know what provision is being made for them?

Mr. LONG

I do not quite accept the view taken by my hon. Friend. The two questions are quite distinct. In one measure the Government propose to ask the country to undertake a certain extra burden of responsibility, and by the other proposal we are anxious to meet the cases of men who suffer specially under financial disabilities. There will be no time lost. The Regulations will be published as shortly as possible—I hope in a very few days—but I should not like to commit myself.

28. Mr. JACOBSEN

asked the President of the Local Government Board if the Soldiers' and Sailors' Families Association undertakes to give assistance towards paying the rents of enlisted men in approved cases; what the limits and conditions are; and will he convey the information to local tribunals so that they can take it into consideration, if necessary, when called upon to decide appeals made on the ground of domestic hardship?

Mr. LONG

Grants have for many months past been made from the National Belief Fund through the Soldiers' and Sailors' Families Association or local representative committees towards the payment of rents in certain cases. The allowance is limited to the amount by which the weekly rental, including the rates, exceeds 4s. The maximum rent recognised is 12s. per week, and the maximum allowance 8s. per week in the provinces and 4s. 6d. per week in London, where the Government allowances are 3s. 6d. per week higher than in the provinces. Local tribunals are, I think, generally aware of this procedure, but I propose to make them officially acquainted with what is being done.