§ 14. Mr. Roland Robinsonasked the Secretary of State for Air whether he has concluded his examination into the question of billeting allowances for the Royal Air Force in certain Lancashire towns; and whether, in view of the increase in the cost of living, he proposes to raise this allowance to such a level that the persons on whom they are billeted do not lose money?
Captain BalfourIt has been decided to make certain additional weekly payments to billetors who provide services additional to those which were intended to be covered by the billeting rates. The concession is being applied with retrospective effect. The question of the ade- 184 quacy of the billeting rates themselves has also been under consideration, and I hope that it will be possible to make an announcement in the next few days.
§ Mr. RobinsonIn considering the matter, will my hon. and gallant Friend bear in mind not only that these people on whom soldiers are billeted are carrying on at a small loss, but are also deprived of their usual means of livelihood?
Captain BalfourIndeed, we are keeping these considerations in mind. I, like my hon. Friend, represent a constituency which has many people billeted upon it, and, as far as the Air Force is concerned, as a Member I have been bringing some pressure upon myself as a Minister.
§ Mr. Charles BrownCan the hon. and gallant Gentleman say whether the concession is being made in respect of the Army as well?