§ 12. Mr. Keelingasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that family allowances have been withheld from officers and other ranks who, with the Government's encouragement, sent their children to America or Canada, and that they are thereby prevented from providing for the reimbursement of the foster-parents after the war; and whether he will reconsider the matter?
§ Captain MargessonFamily lodging allowance for officers and family allowance for soldiers are provided in order to assist the officers and soldiers concerned in meeting the current expenses of maintaining their families. When their families are residing outside the sterling area in circumstances which preclude the remittance of funds for their maintenance, the allowances cannot be used for that purpose and are consequently not issued. The officer or soldier can, however, in such a case have placed to his provisional credit a special separation grant under certain conditions.
§ Mr. KeelingHas my right hon. and gallant Friend seen the many letters in the Press suggesting that the generosity of American hosts is being met with pettifogging meanness? Will he make it widely known that allowances can be credited?
§ Captain MargessonYes, Sir. Most certainly.
§ Sir William DavisonDo I understand that it is possible for an officer to have his allowance accumulated at the War Office, and that it will be available at the end of the war if that is the national policy?
§ Captain MargessonAs I stated, in such cases the officer or soldier can, under certain conditions, have placed to his provisional credit a special separation grant. The details of the special grants were set out in my reply to the hon. Member for North Camberwell (Mr. Ammon) on 25th February.
§ Miss Eleanor RathboneDoes the scheme apply to other ranks besides officers?
§ Captain MargessonYes, Sir.
§ Mr. BellengerDid not the previous answer apply only to the Channel Islands?
§ Captain MargessonNo, Sir.