HC Deb 04 June 1918 vol 106 cc1389-91
19. Mr. ANDERSON

asked the Minister of Pensions whether, in the case of a soldier temporarily lent from the Army to work in shipyards and who loses his life by drowning whilst at work, his widow and children are entitled to a pension; and, if so, to what amount?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY Of PENSIONS (Sir A. Griffith-Boscawen)

A soldier temporarily released for civilian employment, pro- vided he is not transferred to the reserve for this purpose, would, while following such employment, retain for himself, his family, and their dependants all their rights and privileges in regard to pensions under the Royal Warrant as though he had contined to serve as a soldier. The employer is, however, liable to pay any compensation due under the terms of the Workmen's Compensation Act, the Employers' Liability Act, or at Common Law. Where, therefore, the benefits due under the Royal Warrant are in excess of the compensation due from the employer, the Ministry of Pensions will make good the deficiency.

13. Mr. ADAMSON

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether, as complementary to the new Royal Warrant for pensions, he will favourably consider making representations to the Treasury for an increase in the scale of separation allowances to the wives and children of soldiers?

Mr. FORSTER

I would ask my right hon. Friend to await the answer which the Chancellor of the Exchequer is about to give to the hon. Member for the Harborough Division.

47. Mr. P. A. HARRIS

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that there is a feeling throughout the country, especally in big centres of population where high rents prevail, that the present rates for separation allowances for soldiers are inadequate owing to the increase in the price of commodities; whether he is aware that this feeling is accentuated by the war bonus being paid to men not in the Army; whether the Government will again consider the possibility of giving some equivalent bonus so that the position of the wives and families of serving soldiers shall be brought more into line with the position: of wives of men in civil occupation; and, if the Government is not prepared to take immediate action, whether they will appoint a Select Committee of this House, or, failing that, a Departmental Committee, to inquire into and report on the whole subject?

The CHANCELLOR Of the EXCHEQUER (Mr. Bonar Law)

Complete arrangements already exist for meeting the extra cost of rent in different localities, and other local and individual circumstances. I do not think that the Government would be justified either in increasing the existing flat rate or in holding any further inquiry.

Mr. HARRIS

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the local committees are allowed to consider rents, but are precluded by the Regulations from considering the increased cost of living?

Mr. BONAR LAW

I think they are allowed to consider special cases of hardship.

Mr. HARRIS

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that instructions have been sent out that they cannot consider at all increased prices, but only increased rents?

Mr. BONAR LAW

I think the hon. Member is mistaken. They cannot, I believe, consider increased cost as in itself a reason, but they can consider particularly bard cases from whatever cause.

Mr. HARRIS

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is a very strong feeling that the same rate should be paid to the wives of soldiers who are living as to the widows of men who have fallen in the War?

Mr. BONAR LAW

I am sure the hon. Member knows that a desire was felt very strongly by the House and also by the Government, but there must be a limit to the amount that we can give in these cases.

Mr. R. MACDONALD

Does the right hon. Gentleman know that these personal and special applications are regarded as something equivalent to charity and that a great many women decline to do it? Will the right hon. Gentleman keep his mind open and consider it, as it is a very important case?

Mr. BONAR LAW

It is not a case of keeping one's mind open. One would like to do everything that is possible in this case. I am informed that the taint of charity to which the hon. Member refers is not felt at all.

Mr. RAFFAN

If the Government cannot adopt a flat rate, will they consider whether instructions could be given to the committees?