HC Deb 08 July 1943 vol 390 c2233
38. Sir John Mellor

asked the Minister of Health why a householder, required to provide full board, lodging and services for a civilian, is paid not more than three-quarters of the weekly rate paid for a soldier; and whether in view of the recent increase in the Army rates, civilian billeting rates will now be adjusted?

The Minister of Health (Mr. Ernest Brown)

I am not clear what type of civilian my hon. Friend has in mind. The majority of adult civilians are billeted for partial board, as in the case of civil servants, or for lodging only, leaving the billeted person to make his own arrangements for board, as in the case of war workers. A small number of adult civilians are billeted for full board and lodging at. 21s. a week. These are exclusively evacuation helpers, expectant mothers, nurses, orderlies and other such workers. In general, I am not satisfied that further increases in the civil billeting allowances are called for at the present time.

Sir J. Mellor

Does my right hon. Friend dispute that in the case of the last-mentioned category far less is paid than is paid for similar accommodation by the Army?

Mr. Brown

I would not like to be drawn into answering that question without precise figures, certainly not in answer to a supplementary.

Sir J. Mellor

As the Army has recognised the increased cost to householders, why will not my right hon. Friend also recognise it?

Mr. Brown

I have pointed out that there is a difference between the two classes of accommodation provided.

Sir J. Mellor

Will my right hon. Friend issue a table?