HC Deb 20 February 1917 vol 90 cc1152-3
22. Sir HENRY CRAIK

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether, in view of the fact that owing to the non-payment of separation allowances to officers' families these families are now frequently depending upon charitable funds and may be forced to resort to the Poor Law for subsistence, he will endeavour to hasten the consideration of the proposal to allow separation allowances in these cases from public funds?

40. Colonel YATE

asked the Prime Minister whether the Government will now appoint a Committee to consider the question of the grant of separation, allowances to the wives, families, and dependants of officers in the same manner as those allowances have already been granted in the case of warrant officers, non-commissioned officers, and men?

Mr. FORSTER

I can add nothing to what I stated yesterday in answer to questions on this subject by my hon. and gallant Friends the Members for Christ-church and Ludlow.

Sir H. CRAIK

Is my hon. Friend aware that this same question has been answered in exactly the same way several times, although the matter is most urgent?

Mr. FORSTER

No, I am not aware that it has been answered in the same way several times. I pointed out yesterday that the whole thing had been under our consideration, and that it had been decided that the best way of dealing with these cases where hardship arises is by way of the Civil Liabilities Committee, and I added that the Parliamentary Secretary to the Local Government Board hopes with the concurrence of the Treasury to bring the scheme into operation at an early date.

Sir H. CRAIK

Is it not the case that the Civil Liabilities Committee is confined to expenditure under contract?

Mr. FORSTER

If my hon. Friend had made himself acquainted with the answer I gave yesterday, he would have seen that we are extending the scope of the Liabilities Committee in order to enable them to grant maintenance allowance in cases where there is need.

Mr. HOGGE

Is it not the Statutory Committee and not the Civil Liabilities Committee?

Mr. FORSTER

No; the Civil Liabilities Committee.

Mr. HOGGE

We do not do it.

Mr. FORSTER

The rules have been passed.

Colonel YATE

In what particulars has the scope of the Civil Liabilities Committees been extended?

Mr. FORSTER

In order that they may be able to give a maintenance allowance to the families of officers below the rank of major.

Colonel YATE

Will the maintenance allowance be the same as separation allowance for all practical purposes, but under a different name?

Mr. FORSTER

It will deal with necessitous cases.

Mr. ROWLANDS

When will they be in possession of the powers?