§ 44. Mr. Sorensenasked 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. EdenThe 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. ThorneWill the breakages come under the Purchase Tax?