HC Deb 21 November 1916 vol 87 cc1199-200
30. Mr. C. WASON

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that a poor widow who has spent her all bringing her two boys up, who both are now called up, has been refused an allowance on the technical ground that the boys have never actually contributed to her support, the fact being that if they had not been called up the poor widow would now have been in comfort instead of dire poverty; and if he will ascertain if any relief can be afforded her?

16. Mr. BYRNE

asked the Secretary of State for War if the Government have yet devised any scheme to increase the separation allowances paid to soldiers' dependants in Ireland; if he is aware that the cost of living has increased 60 per cent. since separation allowances were fixed; and if the separation allowances will be similarly increased?

Mr. FORSTER

My right hon. Friend has already undertaken to consider the reassembling of the Select Committee which dealt with these matters, and no doubt, if reassembled, it will review the points raised in these questions.

Mr. HOGGE

Has the Committee been reasembled, and when is it likely to begin its revision?

Mr. FORSTER

I do not think it has been reassembled.

Mr. HOGGE

Is my hon. Friend aware that this question has been asked by various Members for about the last six weeks?

Mr. FORSTER

Yes, Sir; I was aware of that.

Mr. HOGGE

Then, when are you going to do something?

Mr. PRINGLE

How long does it take to reassemble this Committee?

Mr. FORSTER

That does not rest with me. My hon. Friend had better put that question to the Prime Minister.

53. Mr. W. THORNE

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether he is aware that in the case of a child of a soldier being removed to an institution because, say, it is suffering from a contagious disease the amount allowed for the child is deducted from the allowance made to the family; and whether, in view of the fact that this does not necessarily mean any reduction in the expenses of the family, he will consider the advisability of allowing the full allowance to continue?

Mr. FORSTER

The rule is that separation allowance for a child is suspended when it is maintained in a rate-aided institution, and I regret that it is not possible to reconsider the matter.

Mr. HOGGE

In view of the fact that the parent contributes to the support of the institution through the rates why should a deduction be made from the separation allowance?

Mr. FORSTER

The separation allowance comes from the taxes.

50. Mr. SHEEHY

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether he is aware that Private Thomas Conlon, No. 23914, 4/9th Battalion of the Royal Dublin Fusiliers, was allowing his father a sum of 3s. 6d. a week from his pay, which was stopped on his death; will he say why no addition had been made to the 3s. 6d. allowed the father, seeing that before he joined the Army his son was helping him on his small farm of less than nine acres; and whether any additional grant will be made?

Mr. FORSTER

No claim for dependants' separation allowance has been received in respect of the late Private Conlon. An allotment was made by the soldier, but payment of this ceased on notification being received of the soldier's death. Steps have now been taken to have a claim investigated.