HC Deb 07 November 1916 vol 87 cc32-4
56. Mr. ANDERSON

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether, in determining supplementary separation allowances and separation allowances to dependants other than wives on the basis of pre-enlistment income and dependence, consideration is given to the different range of prices and wages in 1914 as compared with the present, or whether those who enlisted in 1914 and early in 1915, when the general level of money wages was lower than now, are penalised by comparison with those who have recently joined the Colours; and, if so, whether steps will be taken to bring up the dependants of the 1914 men to the present standard?

Mr. FORSTER

The War Office separation allowances are based on pre-enlistment figures in accordance with the findings of the Select Committee. Questions relating to supplementary separation allowances, which are administered by the Statutory Committee, should be addressed to my right hon. Friend the President of the Local Government Board.

Mr. ANDERSON

That is not an answer to my question. Will the hon. Gentleman answer the question that is on the Paper?

Mr. FORSTER

I think I have. The hon. Member asked me "whether, in determining supplementary separation allowances and separation allowances to dependants other than wives on the basis of pre-enlistment income and dependence, consideration is given to the different range of prices and wages in 1914 as compared with the present," and I pointed out to him that we do not determine the supplementary allowances.

57. Mr. ANDERSON

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether his attention has been called to the inquest at Sunderland on the death of the fourteen weeks old child of Private William Renton, of the Durham Light Infantry; whether he is aware that it was stated in evidence that the wife had not heard from her husband for six weeks and that her separation allowance had been stopped for nearly a month, leaving her to maintain three children and herself without income; whether he is aware that, on a post-mortem examination, starvation was declared to be the cause of death and that the coroner stated that there was no evidence of any intentional withholding of food; and whether he will cause inquiry to be made?

Mr. FORSTER

Yes, Sir, I have seen a newspaper report. The separation allowance ceased because the man deserted from the Army.

58. Mr. ANDERSON

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether he is aware of the uncertainty and con fusion caused by the constant issue of new regulations or the modification or extension of existing regulations by the Statutory Committee and other bodies dealing with the question of pensions and separation allowances; whether he is aware that it is impossible on the part of the average applicant to follow and comprehend all these changes; and whether he will arrange to issue a clear, up-to-date, and classified statement as to the position of soldiers and their dependants in respect of payments and supplementary payments, and as to the rights of disabled and partially-disabled men, and of men discharged on account of illness or unfitness, and of the widows and fatherless children of men who have been killed?

Mr. FORSTER

I appreciate the value of such a publication as is suggested. It is just one of the improvements to which the coming unification of pension administration will naturally lend itself.