§ 4. Lieut.-Colonel Heneageasked the Secretary of State for War why the increase recently granted for marriage 1011 allowance to the permanent staff of the artillery units of the Territorial Army has been offset by the increased rent for quarters allocated; and will he reconsider this matter?
§ Mr. Hore-BelishaThe family allowance of 17s. and upwards a week is paid to all married soldiers over 26 years old, who are not provided with quarters, which carry entitlement to furniture, fuel and light or an allowance in lieu. In this latter case the allowance in respect of the wife is naturally deducted. Were this not so, my hon. and gallant Friend will see that a soldier in quarters would be getting a considerable financial advantage over a soldier not in quarters.
§ Lieut.-Colonel HeneageIf I bring forward individual cases where the charge for quarters has been offset to the marriage allowance, will my right hon. Friend do his best to remedy that position?
§ Mr. Hore-BelishaI have explained why there must be an offset, otherwise the men would both be getting quarters and free lodging, fuel and light, and the allowance.
§ Mr. George GriffithsIf the right hon. Gentleman wants to get some more recruits, will he see that the wife of every married soldier gets some allowance?
§ Mr. Hore-BelishaThe hon. Gentleman must understand that we have increased the marriage allowance from, roughly, 7s. a week to 17s.
§ Mr. GriffithsAre there not many married soldiers under 26 years of age whose wives do not get a penny in allowance?
§ Mr. Hore-BelishaThat is another matter.