§ 48 and 49. Mr. Lipsonasked the Minister of Defence (1) why the increase in the marriage allowance of 3s. a day to officers whose wives are with them in Germany and of 6s. if the wives are living in this country, granted from 24th November, 1948, is not being paid to officers holding an emergency commission after 1st January, 1947; and if he will take steps to ensure that all officers shall receive it with arrears due from the appointed day;
(2) if he will give an estimate of the additional cost of giving all married officers the increased marriage allowance granted from 24th November, 1948.
§ The Minister of Defence (Mr. A. V. Alexander)In my statement of 24th November last I said that the new rates of marriage allowance would not apply to National Service men. All those called up under the National Service Acts since 1st January, 1947, including officers, come within this category. I am advised that the cost of granting the increases to commissioned National Service men would be, very approximately, £50,000 a year. The increases could not, however, he given to officers only and if all ranks were included, the cost would be very much higher.
§ Mr. LipsonIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that this allowance was granted to enable officers, and other ranks also, to meet the cost of living, and how can he justify distinguishing between two sets of officers or other ranks when the conditions and needs of both are exactly the same? Is not his reply quite indefensible?
§ Mr. AlexanderThe decision applies to National Service men and officers alike. I indicated in my statement of 24th November that in the case of National Service men as a whole they would have recourse, if necessary, to the National Service Grants Committee.
§ Mr. LipsonIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that this decision is causing very bitter resentment among officers because of the distinction, and will not the Government have another look at the matter? This ought to be a case of all or none.
§ Mr. AlexanderIf it had to be a case like that, it would have to be all ranks as well as all officers.
§ Mr. LipsonWhy not?
§ Mr. AlexanderI have already indicated to the House in the statement last November what the position was—that if at this very young age men were married, knowing the basis of the allowances, then they came into the Services knowing what they were doing. Large numbers of hon. Members have tried to argue that these allowances should be revised altogether not for National Service men but for Regulars whom we are trying to get into the Services.