§ 79. Rear-Admiral Beamishasked the Minister of Pensions if he is aware that the increases in family allowances for men in the Forces have been offset by corresponding reductions in war Service grants; and how, in view of the increased cost of living and general expenses, this is justified.
§ Sir W. WomersleyI would refer the hon. Member to Command 6521 where he will find the Government's decision on this point. Although the increases are taken into account for war Service grant purposes, this does not necessarily mean a corresponding reduction in the grant. I would remind the hon. Member that, apart from other improvements made in the scheme at the same time, there was a substantial increase in the maintenance standard adopted for assessment purposes.