§ 46. Mr. LYLEasked the Prime Minister the comparative payments made for unemployment donation (male maximum) arid the maximum pension for complete disability caused by military service; and whether he is aware of the dissatisfaction felt by the recipients of the latter at the relatively small difference?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINThe rates of unemployment donation at present authorised are as follows: For civilians for not more than thirteen weeks (subject to extension in certain cases) in the period expiring on the 24th November next— Males, 20s. a week; females, 15s. a week, with allowances of 6s. a week for the first child and 3s. for each child after the first.
2. For demobilised sailors, soldiers and airmen—25s. a week for not more than twenty-six weeks, with children's allowances as above.
The maximum rate of pension for a private soldier is the alternative pension of 50s. a week plus 20 per cent. war bonus or £3 a week.
For answer to the last part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to a question by the hon. and gallant Member for Norfolk (Northern Division) yesterday.
§ Mr. LYLEI did not hear the figures clearly, but I take it that there is very little difference between the pensions to a 1035 soldier who has lost both limbs—both arms or both legs—and the out-of-work bonus of the munition worker. If that is the case I would like to ask the Prime Minister whether he will consider the advisability of reducing the unemployment donation and increase the allowance in the case of disabled soldiers?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINIf the hon. Gentleman will be good enough to look at the answer which I gave yesterday he will see that, in substance, that is the point which was made yesterday.