72. Miss Rathboneasked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that there has been a widespread impression among service men's dependants that the Unemployment Assistance Board are empowered to supplement temporarily the separation allowances of those who are appealing to the Hardship (Special Allowances) Committee; and whether he will now clarify the position?
§ Captain CrookshankThe Government are examining urgently the possibility of accelerating supplementary payments in cases where such is judged necessary, and hope to make a statement on the subject shortly. The present position is that the Unemployment Assistance Board have no power under the Prevention and Relief of Distress Regulations, 1939, to pay allowances to persons who are actually in receipt of allowances payable out of public funds granted in respect of circumstances arising out of, or caused by, the present war.