HC Deb 17 December 1919 vol 123 c382
18. Major Sir BERTRAM FALLE

asked the Secretary to the Admiralty if any decision has been come to as to the continuance or otherwise of children's allowance after 31st December, 1919?

Mr. LONG

Assuming that my hon. Friend's question refers to children's allowances payable in respect of children of men of the Royal Navy, I can only state at present that the future of these allowances is engaging attention.

Sir B. FALLE

Are not officers as much part of the Navy as the men?

Mr. LONG

Certainly.

Sir B. FALLE

Are they to have the children's allowance taken away from them?

Mr. LONG

I am afraid I may be very stupid, but I do not follow the hon. Gentleman's difficulty. My answer is that this question is now engaging attention before the Board of Admiralty. I cannot say more than that.

Sir B. FALLE

Will they be taken away on the 31st December?

Mr. LONG

I did not say they will be taken away. The matter is under consideration, and I cannot really put it beyond that.

Viscount C URZON

When the right hon. Gentleman is considering the matter, will he bear in mind that the Army has got a children's allowance?