§ 29. Mr. H. Hyndasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the present purchasing value of the annuity of £75 provided for holders of the Victoria Cross, as compared with what it was when fixed by the Royal Warrant in 1950.
§ Mr. HyndWill the hon. Gentleman bring that to the notice of his colleagues who, we understood yesterday, were reconsidering the whole basis of this grant?
§ Mr. ErrollI am sure that that information will be available to my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister.
§ Mr. ShinwellWould the hon. Gentleman be good enough to ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer to consult the Secretary for War with a view to promoting some amendment of the Royal 607 Warrant so as to ensure that those who apply for the £75 annuity and who have a reasonable claim should have that claim met?
§ Mr. ErrollI should explain to the right hon. Gentleman that questions regarding this annuity should be addressed to my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister, who is here and will undoubtedly have heard the right hon. Gentleman's supplementary question.
§ Mr. ShinwellQuestions have been addressed to the Prime Minister, the Secretary of State for War and the Chancellor of the Exchequer. What we are concerned about is some amendment of the Royal Warrant. Can there be some co-ordination on the Treasury Bench to ensure that those people who have undoubtedly been responsible for some acts of gallantry should not be left in dire poverty?
§ Mr. ErrollMy right hon. Friend the Prime Minister said in answer to a Question on Tuesday that he would look into the whole question.
§ Dame Irene WardWould my hon. Friend kindly draw from the cheers from both sides of the House the correct conclusion that this House wishes action in this matter? Can we have an assurance that action from some Government Department or the whole Treasury Bench will be taken?
§ Mr. ErrollI should have thought that my hon. Friend would have been satisfied by what my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister said on Tuesday.