HC Deb 17 July 1918 vol 108 cc1055-6W
Colonel Sir H. GREENWOOD

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that the hardship of the inadequate separation allowances presses chiefly on the childless wife who, for reasons of health or infirmity, is unable to go out to work and whose allowance has not been increased since October, 1914, whereas that of the children was increased in January, 1917; and whether he will instruct the Committee now sitting on this question to give sympathetic consideration to such cases?

Mr. BONAR LAW

I will bring the hon. Baronet's representations to the notice of the Cabinet Committee

Captain DOUGLAS HALL

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if, in view of his announcement last autumn that a measure was being considered to grant separation allowances to junior naval officers' wives on the ground that they could not live on their pay at the present-day cost of living, he will say why no mention of this was made a short time back when an increase of pay was granted to junior naval officers, whether married or single, and irrespective of their private incomes; and if the Treasury can see their way to grant separation allowances to all junior naval married officers, which would bring up their total income to £350 a year on their Income Tax return?

Mr. BONAR LAW

In the view of the Government the case of married junior naval officers is met by the grant of children allowances, and I am not prepared to authorise any further grant on the basis suggested.