HC Deb 13 August 1940 vol 364 c595
44. Mr. Sorensen

asked the Secretary of State for War when the decision was made to grant an allowance to soldiers for haircuts and breakages; when this became operative; the cash value of the allowance made; whether part of the 6d. per day increase in pay recently announced is to be added to soldiers' allotments to dependants when these are a condition in the granting of allowances; and whether allowances in respect of children are also to be increased in view of the increased cost of living?

Mr. Eden

The allowance which covers haircutting is 5½d. a week, and was introduced in July. The rule about replacing breakages has been in force for some years; the limit for replacement at public expense is 50 per cent, a year. The increase of 6d. a day in pay will not increase the soldier's compulsory allotment to dependants. As regards the last part of the Question, I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave to-day to my hon. Friend the Member for Rotherham (Mr. Dobbie).

Mr. Thorne

Will the breakages come under the Purchase Tax?

Mr. Eden

My hon. Friend had better ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer.