§ 1. Mr. Brockwayasked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance if he will cancel the six months' disqualification for the payment of family allowances to British citizens who have returned to this country after service in British Colonial Territories.
§ The Minister of Pensions and National Insurance (Mr. John Boyd-Carpenter)No, Sir, I am afraid it is not possible to deal specially with the class of person whom the hon. Member has in mind.
§ Mr. BrockwayIs it not rather anomalous that an Englishman who has served for a period in the Colonies should be in a worse position than an 830 Englishman who has gone to a Continental country? Is it not, therefore, very desirable to start social services in Colonial Territories so that there can be a reciprocal arrangement?
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterThe second part of the hon. Gentleman's supplementary question is not, of course, a matter for me. As to the first part, it is part and parcel of the general arrangements in respect of these benefits, which it is a little difficult to discuss separately.