HC Deb 12 June 1941 vol 372 cc324-5
16. Major Vyvyan Adams

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that great variations of practice exist between different local authorities in the matter of supplementing the pay of employés serving in the forces, and that such variations often involve full supplementation alongside no supplementation at all, and consequently cause a serious source of grievance; and whether he will take measures to redress that grievance by giving a ruling for all local authorities to adopt?

Mr. E. Brown

I am aware of variations of practice of local authorities in this matter. The Statute empowers, but does not require, them to make the payments in question, and I have no power to give such a ruling as is suggested.

Major Adams

Will my right hon. Friend take powers to remedy this very serious inequality? May I have an answer?

Mr. Brown

No, I am not proposing to take powers.

Major Adams

Then how does my right hon. Friend justify this inequality?

Mr. Brown

There are many inequalities in life.