§ Lieut.-Commander Tufnellasked the Secretary of State for War whether he will consider the desirability of instructing Army paymasters that, in cases where there has been the overpayment of a few shillings to a soldier's dependant through no fault of her own, the overpaid money shall not be deducted from the allowance, 1408W but shall remain a State charge, thus avoiding what is often a real hardship to the family concerned?
§ Mr. EdenInstructions have been issued to paymasters which provide for any such case to be dealt with on its merits, whether the over issue is a few shillings or a considerable sum. I do not think there can be any hard and fast rule. Where there is hardship, recovery can be spread over a period, or, if the circumstances warrant it, a part or the whole may be written off.
§ Lieut.-Commander Tufnellasked the Secretary of State for War whether, when a soldier's dependant benefiting by the receipt of the extra 2s. 6d. for residence in the London area moves temporarily to the country but is still compelled to pay the London rent, he will approve the continuance to her of the 2s. 6d. payment in question?
§ Mr. EdenThe extra 3s. 6d. a week is strictly payable only while the family is living in the London postal area, but there is discretion to allow it to continue during temporary absences for a limited period. Where it ceases to be payable, there may be a case for a special grant, a claim for which would be considered by the War Service Grants Advisory Committee of the Ministry of Pensions.