HC Deb 01 November 1939 vol 352 cc1924-6
48. Mr. J. Morgan

asked the Prime Minister whether he has considered the resolutions from the West Riding of Yorkshire County Council calling upon the Government to increase the pay and allowances of the fighting forces to a standard at least equal to that of the air-raid precautions services, and to pay allowances to the wives and families of men of the fighting forces on a scale sufficient to avoid the necessity for public assistance; and what action is being taken in consequence?

The Financial Secretary to the Treasury (Captain Crookshank)

I have been asked to reply. My right hon. Friend has taken note of the resolutions referred to, but he cannot accept the implication that the total receipts of men in the fighting Services compare unfavourably with those of air-raid precautions personnel. As the hon. Member will be aware, from the statements which have been made, the question of children's allowances is now being examined.

Mr. Morgan

Is the right hon. and gallant Gentleman not aware that there has been a public statement to the effect that A.R.P. is costing £35,000,000 a year, as against £10,500,000 paid to the R.A.F. and similar sums to other units? Is not that the case?

Captain Crookshank

Even if it is, it does not affect the point as to what the individual gets, which is the subject of the question.

55. Miss Rathbone

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether he will issue a White Paper or circular stating as fully as possible the conditions, scales, and method of applying for special allowances or grants for civil liabilities available for serving men in all three forces and their families; and whether he will cause the same to be circulated to all Members of Parliament, commanding officers, and branches of the Soldiers', Sailors', and Airmens' Families Association, and similar organisations?

The Financial Secretary to the War Office (Sir Victor Warrender)

I have been asked to reply. I have already undertaken to circulate a White Paper, but, in view of the inquiry which is proceeding regarding children's allowances, it has been thought better to wait until the examination of that question has been completed.

Miss Rathbone

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that there is the greatest confusion and ignorance, both among applicants and the organisation advising them, and does he not think that there is really a necessity for some information to be given as to the procedure to be followed by the committee?

Sir V. Warrender

It would be very much better for everybody concerned if we waited for the issue of the White Paper, so that we might know what the position is.

Mr. Lawson

May I ask whether there is to be an inquiry into the allowances for dependants and parents, and is the hon. Gentleman aware of the very great dissatisfaction that exists among these people?

Sir V. Warrender

The inquiry that is taking place concerns children's allowances.

Mr. Buchanan

Is the Minister aware that mothers and others are not aware of their rights, even at present; and will he take steps to see that there is some available resource to which mothers and others can apply for help in this matter?

Sir V. Warrender

As far as dependants' allowances are concerned, there is a leaflet in every post office of the country, setting out the procedure for obtaining them and the rights of dependants, and so on. The other information will be available as soon as the White Paper is published, and I hope very much that it will not be long before it is published.

Mr. Lawson

Is the hon. Gentleman aware of the very great dissatisfaction in regard to this matter?