HC Deb 18 February 1941 vol 369 cc6-7
10. Mr. Lawson

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that many soldiers who are promoted allot an increased sum to their parents; that the Government allowance is usually reduced by the amount of the soldier's increased allotment; and whether he will take action to ensure that such parents actually receive the increased allotment of the soldier without any reduction in the Government allowance?

Captain Margesson

The amount of dependant's allowance is determined according to the need of the dependant and the support given by the soldier before h joined the Army. The amount which the soldier is required to contribute towards that allowance varies according to his rate of pay, and increases as that rate increases. If the soldier makes a voluntary allotment in addition to the amount he is required to give, the dependant receives the whole of it in addition to the allowance.

Mr. Lawson

Do I understand the right hon. and gallant Gentleman to say that if the soldier receives an increased amount as a result of promotion and he allots that amount or any part of it to the parents, they actually receive it? Is he aware that they do not receive it and that their allowance is cut as a result of the increased contribution from the soldier?

Captain Margesson

I think that my hon. Friend is under a misunderstanding. I said that the amount which the soldier is required to contribute to the allowance varies according to the rate of pay and that it increases as the pay increases. If the soldier makes a voluntary allotment in addition to the amount that he is required to give, the dependants receive the whole of it. in addition to the allowance which is already given.

Mr. Lawson

Is the right hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that, although he has put it in his own particular way, the parents do not receive any increased allowance as the result of the soldier's promotion? If he does make an allotment, their allowance is reduced in pr. portion.

Captain Margesson

That is according to the Statute.

Mr. Buchanan

Is the right hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that if a soldier is promoted, neither the parents nor he gets any benefit and that the net income remains the same? If promotion takes place, ought there not to be some award to the soldier or his parents?

Captain Margesson

That is not strictly accurate. In some cases that may be so, but in other cases the soldier receives definite benefit to himself as a result of his promotion. What he is asked to contribute to his dependant's allowance does not swallow up the increase he gets.