HC Deb 25 February 1943 vol 387 cc291-2
38. Sir John Mellor

asked the Minister of Health whether, having regard to the losses made by Government hostels charging more than billeting authorities pay for equivalent board and lodging, he will reconsider the scale of billeting allowances?

Mr. E. Brown

I cannot accept the implication in my hon. Friend's Question that the two matters are comparable. The scale of billeting allowances is kept under review, and I do not think that any further revision is called for at present.

Sir J. Mellor

Will my right hon. Friend agree that many householders are out of pocket over billeting, and is not this enforced philanthropy very unfair?

Mr. Brown

I would not accept either assumption.

Mr. Quintin Hogg

Is my right hon. Friend aware that billeting allowances in respect of officers in the Services show a marked disproportion to the allowances for civilian workers, and will he do something to put matters right?

Mr. Brown

That is another Question not involved in the first part of my answer to my hon. Friend.

Forward to