Mr. Creech Jonesasked the Under Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will consult the appropriate authorities for an improvement in the rates of dependants' allowances to Jewish Palestinians serving in the Army, and for arrangements for pensions to soldiers discharged from the Army as physically unfit for further service?
§ Sir E. GriggI have been asked to reply. The rates of family allowance in Palestine were fixed having regard to all the circumstances in relation to rates elsewhere and have been increased from time to time as the home rates have been increased. I am, however, looking into the question whether any special action is necessary. Dependants' allowance is not admissible for dependants in areas abroad where the soldier is not liable to be conscribed. Awards to soldiers of Palestinian units (and their dependants in the event of death) who are discharged or die on account of a disability attributable to their service, are admissible at roughly two-thirds British rates, and arrangements are in force for provisional payments to be put in issue pending reference of such cases home for determination of the substantive award.