HC Deb 08 July 1918 vol 108 cc31-2
46. Mr. HOGGE

asked the Prime Minister whether any decision to increase the allowances of dependants of apprentices has yet been reached?

Mr. BONAR LAW

I hope that a decision will be arrived at in the course of the next few days.

75. Sir F. HALL

asked the Undersecretary of State for War if the total weekly pay of married soldiers in the London area living at home with their families under the consolidated or family allowance system, including pay, family allowance, and London area allowance, is 35s. 8d., or with one child 41s. 8d.; if the corresponding amounts in the case of a soldier on the separation allowance system of payment are 42s. 3d. and 49s. 3d., respectively; and, if this difference does exist, whether the War Office will at once take steps to level up the pay of men receiving consolidated allowances at least to that of soldiers paid the separation allowance rates, having regard to the inadequacy of the weekly pay of 35s. 8d. to enable a soldier to reasonably maintain a home under the existing abnormal conditions.

Mr. FORSTER

I am sorry to say I am still unable to make any definite announcement.

Sir F. HALL

In view of the importance of this question and the high prices of food, will the right hon. Gentleman look into it, if I repeat the question again next week?

Mr. FORSTER

It is not a question of failure to look into it, and the War Office is not the only Government Department concerned.

Sir F. HALL

Does not the right hon. Gentleman recognise that it has taken a very long time to decide this question?

Mr. FORSTER

I can assure my hon. and gallant Friend that I have been doing everything I can think of to expedite the matter.