HC Deb 17 February 1958 vol 582 cc829-30
1. Mr. Brockway

asked 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. Brockway

Is it not rather anomalous that an Englishman who has served for a period in the Colonies should be in a worse position than an 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-Carpenter

The 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.