§ 47. Sir I. Fraserasked the Prime Minister whether, when considering scales of family allowances for members of the Forces, he will give simultaneous consideration to the allowances payable to widows of members of the Forces in respect of their children, since these allowances are on the same scale as those paid by the Service Departments.
§ Mr. AttleeMy hon. and gallant Friend may be assured that the question of the allowances payable to widows of members of the Forces in respect of their children will be considered in the light of any decision which may be reached regarding the scale of family allowances for serving members of the Forces although it must not be understood that this reply presupposes any change in the existing allowances to the dependants of members of the Forces.
§ Sir I. FraserMay I remind my right hon. Friend—[HON. MEMBERS: "No."] May I ask my right hon. Friend if he will allow me to remind him that in August last the Government assimilated these two kinds of pensions, and that it is, therefore, important that they should continue to march together?
§ Sir J. AndersonI think that is a matter for debate.
§ Following is the table:
§ Mr. AttleeMy answer showed that that was in the mind of the Government.
§ 49. Mr. Burkeasked the Prime Minister if, when the allowances paid to dependants of Service personnel are under review, the claims of parents who do not at present receive any payment from the Government will also be given consideration.
§ Mr. AttleeThis Question will no doubt be raised, if hon. Members so desire, in the informal discussions now proceeding on Service allowances generally.
§ Mr. BurkeWill the Minister bear in mind that, while newly married wives of Servicemen are able to go out to work and also get allowances and allotments, parents are not able to do this and feel deeply that their sacrifice, both human and financial, is not sufficiently considered?