28. Lieut.CommanderKENWORTHY(for Major HORE-BELISHA)asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that the maximum age to which separation allowance is made in respect of the children of naval ratings and non-commissioned ranks in the Army and Air Force is 14 years: and whether, seeing that many service men are anxious to give their children the benefit of a higher grade education, particularly when they have qualified for it., he will refer this matter to the Co-ordinating Committee which is investigating matters affecting the services, with a view to raising the grant in respect of these children up to the level of 16 or 17 years?
Mr. GUINNESSThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative, and to the second in the negative. The practice in the three Services is on a common basis, and there is no occasion, therefore, to refer this matter to the Co-ordinating Committee.
Lieut.CommanderKENWORTHYDoes not the right hon. Gentleman think that where a service man is willing to keep his child at school to the age of 16 the authorities might extend some assistance to him?
Mr.GUINNESSIt is difficult to see why any such concession should be extended to the fighting services rather than to industry generally. I do not see that a service of this kind can be looked upon from any but an educational standpoint, and, therefore, it is in no sense suitable for reference to the Coordinating Committee.
Lieut.CommanderKENWORTHY:Why does the right hon. Gentleman compare the case of the fighting services to the case of industrial workers? Does he not know that the separation allowance is given because of the nature of the service, and will he look into the matter?