§ 65. Mr. NEEDHAMasked the Pensions Minister whether his attention has been drawn to the cases of the families of men who enlisted voluntarily in the War who are penalised, inasmuch as the rates of wages at that time are not at all comparable with the rates now being paid; and whether he is taking steps to rectify this state of affairs?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of PENSIONS (Colonel Sir A. Griffith-Boscawen)I am quite aware of the difficulty brought to my notice by my hon. Friend, and am endeavouring to meet it so far as supplementary allowances to the wives of serving men are concerned.
§ 66. Mr. MACMASTERasked the Pensions Minister whether it is his intention to publish a short and concise statement of the pensions to which wounded or disabled or discharged soldiers are entitled and the allowances to which their dependants are entitled, in order that the information may be readily accessible to all those interested in the subject?
§ Sir A. GRIFFITH-BOSCAWENA small pamphlet, entitled "Soldiers' Pensions," setting out the information referred to, was issued last year. It has cow been revised to meet the amendments 502 effected by the Royal Warrant recently issued, and copies will be issued as soon as the printers can deliver them. A similar pamphlet, applicable to the naval service, has also been issued.
§ Mr. PENNEFATHERTo whom will these leaflets be issued, and where?
§ Sir A. GRIFFITH-BOSCAWENThey are issued. Arrangements have been made for the distribution of large numbers at kiosks of the Government Information Bureau. A copy will also be given to each man on discharge from hospital.
§ Mr. MACMASTERWill they be accessible to Members at the Vote Office?
§ Sir A. GRIFFITH-BOSCAWENYes; they will be accessible to Members of Parliament if they desire copies.
§ Mr. HOGGESeeing that these concessions are for the discharged people only and the Pensions Ministry know the names and addresses, will they send the leaflets instead of requiring them to be asked for at kiosks?
§ Sir A. GRIFFITH-BOSCAWENI have already said they are issued to each man as he is discharged from hospital.
§ 90. Mr. NEEDHAMasked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether he will arrange for a leaflet to be sent with each ring paper stating briefly the full rights of dependants in such matters as sickness grants, expectant mothers' grants, advances when draft books are missing, rent allowances, etc., and the help and advantages generally which are accorded through local war pensions committees to such dependants?
§ The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the WAR OFFICE (Mr. Forster)I will communicate with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Pensions as to this, and let my hon. Friend know the result.