HC Deb 24 March 1942 vol 378 cc1809-10
60. Sir Leonard Lyle

asked the Minister of Health whether any decision has yet been reached as to the possibility of increasing the present rates of billeting allowances payable under the National Evacuation Scheme, in view of the increased cost of living; and whether consideration has also been given to the suggestion that foster-parents should receive some recognition for the important services they are rendering to the community?

Miss Horsbrugh

The Government have considered the adequacy of the billeting allowances in present circumstances, and, after reviewing all the relevant factors, have reached the conclusion that some adjustments are called for in the rates of billeting allowances payable for unaccompanied evacuated children of five years of age and over. In reaching this conclusion, account has been taken of the fact that many householders have now been undertaking the care of evacuated children for a considerable period, and that extra incidental expenses must inevitably result from the continued presence of children in a house over a long period. It has, therefore, been decided that the rates payable for the various age groups of evacuated unaccompanied children over five will, in future, be as follow:

  • 5 years and under 10 years, 10s. 6d.
  • 10 years and under 12 years, 11s. 0d.
  • 12 years and under 14 years, 12s. 0d.
  • 14 years and under 16 years, 13s. 0d.
  • 16 years and under 17 years, 15s. 6d.
  • 17 years and over, 16s. 6d.
The new rates of allowance will begin to be payable during the week commencing 1st May, 1942.

Mr. Sorensen

Is this to be the criterion for similar increases in payments to dependants of serving soldiers?