§ 73. Mr. HOGGEasked the Prime Minister whether he will consider the advisability of the award of a purely nominal pension to every sailor and soldier to enable them to claim revision of their pensions should disability arising from service overtake them at any time?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWYes, Sir; I will see that this suggestion receives consideration.
§ 91. Mr. BIRDasked the Prime Minister the date when the present scale of separation allowances to soldiers' wives, children, and dependants was fixed; and what would be the increase required in the current allowances to bring their purchasing power to the same level now as at the date when they were originally fixed?
§ Mr. FORSTERThe scale for wives was fixed in September, 1914; that for children in February, 1915. Allowances to dependants stand on an altogether different footing, being based on the net contribution of the individual soldier before the date of his enlistment. I am not prepared to give an official estimate of the amount required to bring purchasing power to the same level as before, as that is to some extent a matter of opinion.
§ Mr. BIRDWill my hon. Friend give his favourable consideration to an increase of these inadequate allowances?
§ Mr. FORSTERThey are under the consideration of the Statutory Committee.