§ Mr. JOHNSTONasked the Minister of Pensions whether his attention has been called to the case of the orphan child of the late Gunner John Taylor, No. 121495, Royal Garrison Artillery; whether he is aware that this lad had an apprenticeship pension of 8s. per week under the Royal Warrant 2 (2), and that his wages were 8s. 10d. per week; and if he will state why, on his wages being raised to 10s. 10d. per week, the whole apprenticeship pension has been stopped?
Lieut.-Colonel STANLEYAs my right hon. Friend explained to the hon. Member, who has communicated with him regarding this case, he has no power to continue an allowance where the wages earned over the age of 16 are more than merely nominal. It is not possible under the terms of the Warrant, nor on general grounds would it be desirable, to institute a system of paying reduced allowances concurrently with wages. I would add, however, that the difficulty which arises in some of these cases will, I hope, be met by an arrangement that my; right hon. Friend has under consideration for reserving a portion of the maintenance allowance payable under the Warrant where wages are concurrently being drawn, so that when the allowance ceases, there may be a fund available from which any necessary expenses required by the boy or girl can be met.