§ 73. Mr. TREVELYANasked the President of the Local Government Board whether the Civil Liabilities Commissioners will take into consideraton, in view of the increased cost of living, the raising of the maximum allowance to all men who have to close down their business from £104 per annum to some higher figure, such as £180?
Mr. WALSHThe Grants made by the Civil Liabilities Committee are made in respect of certain contractual obligations such as rent, interest, and instalments on purchases, insurance premiums, etc. and not in respect of maintenance. It does not seem to my right hon. Friend to be necessary to increase the Grants in view of the increased cost of living.
§ Mr. KILEYWhen the obligations exceed £104 per annum is the Civil Liabilities Commission authorised to increase the amount beyond £104?
Mr. WALSHIt is perfectly true that the present maximum is £104 per annum, but I think it is within the competence of the Commission to increase that should the circumstances so warrant, although on that particular point I cannot give a definite answer.