55. Mr. De la Bèreasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is now in a position to make some general pronouncement regarding the methods which the Government propose to adopt in connection with the payment of gratuities to members of the Services at the conclusion of hostilities; and, in particular, whether it is proposed to make a lump-sum payment or extend this reward for the number of years served in each case over a period of years?
§ Sir K. WoodI would refer my hon. Friend to the answer which my right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister gave the hon. Member for Bassetlaw (Mr. Bellenger) on 4th March, 1942.
Mr. De la BèreIs my right hon. Friend aware that he did not actually give any information as to the practical intentions of the Government and is it not time that members of the Services should be given some indication even of the broad principles of the Government's intentions?
§ Sir K. WoodI would ask my hon. Friend to look at the statement of the Deputy Prime Minister on that occasion.