HC Deb 05 June 1918 vol 106 cc1563-5
26. Mr. R. MACDONALD

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether the local pensions committee are expected to give grants in aid of separation allowances when these allowances are inadequate to meet general household expenses owing to the increased cost of living, especially of children's necesssaries, or whether they may give grants only to meet contractual obligations of a specific kind?

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

I have been asked to reply to this question. The local committees have wide powers to give grants to meet emergencies such as sickness, or to make up a disproportion between pre-enlistment income and present income, when such grant is necessary for the upkeep of the home. They cannot, however, grant any allowance to meet the increased cost of living except in the case of a childless wife, or a dependant other than a wife or child, who is unable to work. The case of the wife with children is generally provided for by the revision of separation allowances in January, 1917, which was effected with special reference to the increased cost of living.

Mr. STEWART

Does that apply to officers as well as men?

Sir A. GRIFFITH-BOSCAWEN

No; it applies to the men. The conditions as regards officers are quite different.

Mr. WING

Would that apply also to the payment of industrial assurance?

Sir A. GRIFFITH-BOSCAWEN

That is another point, and I shall want notice.

27. Mr. R. MACDONALD

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether he has called, or will call, for reports from typical industrial towns, showing what expenditure is now necessary to keep working-class families in ordinary comfort; and whether he has done, or will do, so before finally deciding that the present separation allowances are adequate and ought not to be increased?

Mr. FORSTER

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given yesterday by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer to the hon. Member for the Harborough Division.

Mr. MACDONALD

Was the effect of that answer that no inquiry is to be made?

Mr. FORSTER

I think the effect of the answer was that the Government had decided not to take the course suggested.

Mr. HARRIS

Will the right hon. Gentleman be ready to receive information of direct cases of hardship in certain industrial centres?

Mr. FORSTER

I am always open to receive information.