HC Deb 29 October 1918 vol 110 c1258
22. Mr. GEORGE LAMBERT

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office if men acting as agricultural substitutes are being paid 31s. a week, but all allowances to their wives and children have been stopped; whether he is aware that it is impossible for a high rent to be paid and the family to live without much hardship; and whether he will continue some allowance to the wives in addition to the minimum agricultural wage?

Mr. FORSTER

The men in question receive the full civil rate for agricultural labourers. Their position is, however, being made the subject of careful consideration.

Mr. LAMBERT

When does the hon. Gentleman hope to announce a decision?

Mr. FORSTER

I hope a definite conclusion will be reached shortly.

Mr. WHELER

Could not the hon. Gentleman see his way to enable this class of men to be released entirely and go back to agricultural work?

Mr. FORSTER

That is one of the elements of the problem which is being considered.

Major HAMILTON

Is my hon. Friend aware that I wrote to him a month ago giving him a specific case and he has not yet answered my letter?

Mr. FORSTER

I am very sorry that that should be so. I always endeavour to reply to correspondence and if I have failed in this case it is due to an oversight and not to any want of courtesy. Where we are dealing with individual cases we very often have to make inquiries, which take time.

Major HAMILTON

I do not feel that there is any blame attaching to my hon. Friend. I am sure he is always courteous. But did he not receive a letter from me this week drawing his attention to three letters which had not been replied to?

Mr. FORSTER

Yes; I think I did.