59. Mr. MacCALLUM SCOTTasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether his attention has been called to the claim for maintenance allowances for the wives and parents of junior officers who were dependent upon such officers and who through in firmity or age are incapable of maintaining themselves; and whether it is proposed to sanction any allowance in such cases?
§ Mr. HAYES FISHERMy right hon. Friend has asked me to answer this question. In cases of serious hardship junior officers, whether married or unmarried, are already eligible for grants from the Civil Liabilities Committee up to a maxi- 32 mum of £104 per annum. It is now proposed to give additional allowances where there are children to be supported. No representations have been made to me that such additional allowances are necessary where there are no children, but if my hon. Friend will send me the particulars of any cases which he has in mind I will give them my most careful consideration.
Mr. SCOTTDoes the right hon. Gentleman require to have particulars sent to him to know that the dependent mother of an officer who is incapable of working is dependent on that officer, and unable to live unless she gets an allowance?
§ Mr. HAYES FISHERThe Committee which has to decide these cases has no evidence whatever that there is any hardship in any of these cases. I have before asked the hon. Member to send me any particulars, without which I cannot possibly put forward any case.
Mr. SCOTTIn what respect does the right hon. Gentleman need particulars to know that the wholly dependent mother of a junior officer who is incapable of working herself requires a grant?