§ Mr. Parkerasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that discontent has been caused by the exclusion of Dagenham, Barking and other parts of East London from the extra allowances granted to soldiers' dependants living in the London postal area; and whether he will consider giving this to all those living in the London transport area, in view of the high rents, fares, etc., which have to be met by residents in outer London?
§ Mr. StanleyThe restriction of the extra allowance to the London postal area applied also in the last war, and any extension would present difficulties. In cases where, owing to exceptional circumstances, serious hardship to wives or other dependants is caused by the calling-up of a soldier for service during the war, which cannot be met by the normal allowances, applications for the grant of special assistance can be considered by the War Service Grants Advisory Committee.