26. Mr. T. WILSONasked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether it is still the practice to stop the allowance in respect of a soldier's child when it reaches the age of fourteen years, even although the child may be continuing to attend school; and, if so, whether he will consider the advisability of amending this Regulation which, in its operation, tends to discourage continued education?
§ Mr. FORSTERNo, Sir; separation allowance is issued for children up to the age of sixteen years. A lower flat rate is issued when they have reached the age of fourteen, but local war pensions committees are empowered to issue supplementary allowances for those children over fourteen who are whole-time pupils or students at an elementary or other school.
§ Mr. HOGGEWhy does my right hon. Friend refuse to give from the pay office this amount which he transfers to the local war pensions committee? Why cannot the pay office go on paying this?
§ Mr. FORSTERIn all cases?
§ Mr. FORSTERBecause so many children of fourteen and fifteen—very properly, I think—engage in work.