HC Deb 06 June 1918 vol 106 cc1734-5
26. Mr. WING

asked the Pensions Minister if the local war pensions committees are responsible for securing foster parents for motherless children whose father is still with the forces; if so, can it be made known, as such are being handed over to the Poor Law authorities in Houghton-le-Spring; and, if not, what authority is responsible for motherless children's care in the absence of their father serving in His Majesty's Forces?

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

No statutory duties have as yet been laid upon local war pensions committees in respect of the care of motherless children whose fathers are serving in His Majesty's Forces. Local committees are, however, authorised to meet the necessary expenses of maintaining these children in their fathers' home if a suitable person can be found to take charge of them, and where this is impracticable arrangements are now being completed to enable provision to be made for their care and maintenance elsewhere by means of supplementary allowances. In no case where it can possibly be avoided should the child of a serving soldier be handed over or left in the care of the Poor Law authorities, and if the hon. Member will furnish me with particulars of the children to whom he refers inquiries shall be made.

Mr. WING

Does the hon. Gentleman not think that it would be very wise, in great centres like Houghton-le-Spring and other parts of the country, if there were committees of sensible, practical women, who might become responsible for seeing to the housing of children of this kind? There is a very considerable number in the North of England.

Mr. SPEAKER

The hon. Member had better put that question on the Paper.

Mr. HOGGE

Is it the case that local war pensions committees can give a grant with regard to these children, and is there in his experience any difficulty in that being given?

Sir A. GRIFFITH - BOSCAWEN

Hitherto all that the local war pensions committees could do was to make arrangements for looking after the children in their own homes. New Regulations have been approved, and will be issued in the course of a few days, enabling them to make grants for the maintenance of these children outside, in institutions, when it is impossible to do it in their own homes.

Mr. HOGGE

I understand that the hon. and gallant Gentleman prefers always to provide a guardian for these children rather than having them sent to homes?

Sir A. GRIFFITH-BOSCAWEN

We think it best that they should be looked after in their own homes, but it is not always possible.