HC Deb 14 February 1918 vol 103 cc296-7W
Lord H. CAVENDISH-BENTINCK

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether, in view of the fact that the recent increase of pay granted to officers is intended to meet the increased cost of living, and having regard to the fact that the allowances made by the Civil Liabilities Commission are in respect of liabilities previously incurred by officers as civilians, he will give an undertaking that the allowances so made shall not be diminished by reason of any increase of pay or maintenance grant for children received under the new scale?

Mr. HAYES FISHER

The assistance given to officers by the Civil Liabilities Committee includes assistance in respect of the maintenance of children, but such assistance can only be given to officers who are unable by reason of their military service to meet certain financial obligations, including the maintenance of their children, and are thereby exposed to serious hardship. All grants made by the Committee are in the ordinary course subject to review, and in reviewing cases the Committee are bound to take into consideration any alteration in the officer's financial circumstances. The Committee cannot therefore disregard the increase in the officer's pay and the new children's allowances, but it is not intended that there should be an automatic reduction of the Civil Liabilities grant corresponding with the increase of the officer's emoluments under the new scheme.

Mr. PENNEFATHER

asked the Pensions Minister upon what basis the pension issuable to a dependant Class A is assessed; and whether the maximum 5s. provided under Article 22 (1) of the present Pay Warrant is issued regardless, of such assessed dependency?

Sir A. GRIFFITH-BOSCAWEN

The pension to a Class A dependant other than a parent is assessed according to the degree of pre-war dependence, unless that dependence was greater than 5s. a week, in which case the pension is 5s. a week.