HC Deb 12 April 1921 vol 140 cc934-5
Mr. CHARLES WHITE (by Private Notice)

asked the Prime Minister if he is aware of the distress and privation already caused by the recall of reservists to the Colours; whether he will state the amounts of the allowances to those we are wholly, and those who are partially, dependent on reservists; and whether these allowances can be paid without any of the delays that have occurred in the past?

Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANS

Marriage allowance is issuable to the wives and families of Naval Reservists, Army Reservists, and Royal Air Force Reservists at the following weekly rates:

s. d.
Wife only 9 6
Wife and 1 child 19 0
Wife and 2 children 24 6
Wife and 3 children 29 6
Wife and 4 children 33 6
Wife and 5 children 37 6
Wife and 6 children 41 0
Wife and 7 children 44 6
and 3s. for each additional child.
The marriage allowance is issuable irrespective of the age of the reservist, and further allotment can be made by a reservist from his pay.

Arrangements have been made which will, it is confidently anticipated, enable the issue to be made without any delay.

Mr. WHITE

Does this include the widowed mother of a reservist, or any other dependants in addition to wives and children?

Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANS

No, Sir, this refers to wives and children. I have not the figures for widowed mothers.

Mr. WHITE

Is there really a separation allowance for a mother who has been dependent on her son?

Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANS

I do not think there is any separation allowance, but I will ascertain and let the hon. Member know.

Mr. WHITE

Does not the right hon. Baronet see the very great hardship in cases such as this, and can he not, failing some separation allowance, consider applications on behalf of these cases either for exemption or discharge on compassionate grounds?

Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANS

I cannot consider the question of a general exemption on those grounds, but if there is any particular case in which some special hardship exists I will consider it.

Mr. J. JONES

Would it not be cheaper to settle the strike?

Mr. WHITE

In special cases will the right hon. Baronet consider any application that is made to him immediately?

Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANS

I have said that I will give consideration in a Special case requiring it on compassionate grounds, but immediate consideration would be different.

Mr. W. THORNE

Does it not mean that the mothers of these sons will either have to get help from the Government or go to the Poor Law authorities?

Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANS

I hope not. A son, of course, may make an allowance to his mother if he chooses out of his pay.

Mr. WHITE

What is the pay of an ordinary reservist who is called up?