HC Deb 02 November 1939 vol 352 c2108
83. Mr. Tomlinson

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that registrars are charging 3s. yd. each for copies of birth certificates in the case of children of members of His Majesty's Forces; and will he consider making such copies available at a nominal charge?

The Financial Secretary to the Treasury (Captain Crookshank)

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given to my hon. Friend the Member for the Central Division of Newcastle-upon-Tyne (Mr. Denville) on 10th October.

Mr. Tomlinson

I have looked up that answer and cannot find any satisfaction in it. Is the right hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that this form of profiteering is greatly resented among the people, and is he also aware that in the case I have in mind, it cost the widowed woman 3s. 4d. more for the four certificates than she received in allowance?

Captain Crookshank

I will send the hon. Member a copy of that answer, because he cannot have found it, and I take this opportunity of repeating what I said, because it is very important. I said that if the hon. Member had in mind the case of children of men in the fighting services, in their case it was proposed to extend for the duration of the war the system of free verification.

Mr. Tomlinson

I thank the light hon. and gallant Gentleman. When will this be put into operation?

Captain Crookshank

It is in operation.

Mr. Tomlinson

Can a rebate be obtained?