§ Mr. BYRNEasked the Under-Secretary of State for War if he is aware of the hardships of childless wives of soldiers and sailors; if he is aware that their separation allowance of 12s. 6d. per week is now only equal to 6s. in pre-war days; if he is aware that in thousands of cases if their husbands had remained at home they would be now earning £3 to £6 a week; and if he will see that all separation allowances are increased so as to enable soldiers' dependants to purchase the ordinary necessaries of life?
§ Mr. FORSTERThe allowance of 12s. 6d. a week is not intended to cover complete maintenance in all cases of childless wives. If owing to sickness or other causes they are unable to add to their incomes, they are eligible to receive supplementary allowances from local War Pension Committees and in appropriate cases from the Civil Liabilities Committee.