§ 32. Mr. Hugh Lawsonasked the Secretary of State for War if the recently announced increases in allowances to dependants of Army personnel were decided upon before the decision to depart from the present policy of the stabilisation of the cost of living was arrived at.
§ The Chancellor of the Exchequer (Sir John Anderson)I have been asked to reply. As I made quite clear in the course of the Budget Debate the policy of stabilisation is not being departed from and, therefore, the hon. Member's Question does not strictly arise, but I may say that he would be right in drawing the obvious inference from the fact that the increases in allowances were promulgated after, and not before, my Budget statement.
§ Mr. LawsonWas this made known to the Members of this House who had discussions with the Government on this matter, when making their recommendations for increases?
§ Sir J. AndersonI do not see that that question arises.
§ Mr. TinkerBefore any change is made in the stabilisation of prices, will the Chancellor come to the House and let us know what he intends to do?
§ Sir J. AndersonAnything that it may be decided to do will be announced.