HC Deb 22 July 1943 vol 391 c1081
66. Mr. Gallacher

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he has considered the resolution of the Cowdenbeath Town Council, forwarded to him by the honourable Member for West Fife, on increased soldiers' pay and dependants' allowances; and whether he will take steps to implement the terms of this resolution?

Mr. A. Henderson

The resolution referred to by my hon. Friend has been considered. I would, however, refer him to the reply given by the Deputy Prime Minister to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for East Leicester (Major Lyons) on 6th May.

Mr. Gallacher

Is the Minister aware of the very bitter feeling in the Forces and the country at the mothers of our fighting men having to submit to a means test, and particularly at the scurvy trick of reducing allowances as a result of the soldier getting promotion and consequently an increase in his allotment, and will he, at any rate, put a stop to the reduction of these allowances?

Mr. Henderson

I hesitate to give any undertaking that I might not be able to carry out, but I am not aware that there has been any unjustifiable reduction in the allowances that are payable under Regulations.

Mr. Galacher

Is not the hon. and learned Gentleman aware that if a soldier gets promotion to corporal another 3s. 6d. of the allotment goes to his mother and that that 3s. 6d. is immediately taken off the small allowance that the Government make to the mother? Is he not aware of that, and will he put the matter right?

Mr. Henderson

It is correct to say that in regard to the payment of dependants' allowance an element of means test comes into the calculation, but I am sure that my hon Friend will not expect me in reply to a Supplementary Question to deal with Government policy.