HC Deb 07 March 1939 vol 344 c1910
46. Mr. S. O. Davies

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will take steps to increase the pay and allowances of serving ranks of all His Majesty's Forces in order to obviate any of their dependants being compelled to have recourse to public assistance?

The Chancellor of the Exchequer (Sir John Simon)

The conditions of service of men in His Majesty's Forces have been considerably improved in recent times, and I cannot accept the implication in the question that they are inadequate. If the hon. Member is referring to the men who marry before they are entitled under the regulations to marriage or family allowance, I am not in a position to add to the replies to previous questions on this subject.

Mr. Davies

Will the right hon. Gentleman cause an inquiry to be made so that he can be satisfied that this inflicts very considerable expense upon the local authorities of the country, and an exceptionally heavy burden on the depressed areas?

Sir J. Simon

That question, I think, is always under consideration.

Mr. G. Griffiths

Shall we have a statement from the Secretary of State for War to-morrow that the age will be lowered?

Mr. Deputy-Speaker

The hon. Member had better put that question on the Paper.