§ 34. Sir HENRY HARRISasked the Pensions Minister whether he can announce any increase in the maintenance allowance of discharged disabled men receiving training?
§ The MINISTER of PENSIONS (Mr. Hodge)I am not able to announce any general increase in the allowances payable under the Royal Warrant to discharged men who are receiving training. But it is proposed to improve the position of such of these men as are boarded in hostels or lodgings by limiting the charge for their maintenance to 17s. 6d. a week, any excess over that sum being borne by the Ministry. This will give each man 10s. a week out of his allowance, which is, in addition, of course, to the allowances drawn for his family.
§ Sir H. HARRISWhen will the right hon. Gentleman consider the case of married men living at home while in receipt of training, and can he make some allowance to London men similar to that allowed in the case of separation allowances?
76. Colonel THORNEasked the Undersecretary of State for War whether there is any difficulty in the way in giving every discharged soldier a copy of his discharge or sending it to his trade union to which he belongs, or wishes to belong to, one month prior to his return to civil life; and if he will take action in the matter?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONI regret that my hon. Friend's suggestion is impracticable, as it is not known until a soldier has been medically boarded whether he will be discharged, or under what sub-paragraph of the paragraph of the King's Regulations governing discharges his discharge will be carried out. Under the new procedure for effecting discharges, which will shortly come into operation, the date of discharge will be with effect either from the date of approval, usually the day following the medical board, or seven days later.