HC Deb 13 March 1918 vol 104 cc328-9W
Mr. SNOWDEN

asked the Pensions Minister if he will give instructions for the payment of the arrears of allowance for children due from 16th November, 1916, to 4th April, 1917, at the rate of 2s. 3d. per week, in the case of Lance-Sergeant Johnstone, No. 1948, 4th Seaforths, these arrears being due owing to the fact that his allowance of 2s. 3d. a week for his children was stopped in November, 1916, and resumed at the rate of 3s. 9d. per week from 4th April, 1917?

Mr. HODGE

Lance-Sergeant Johnstone was awarded, on discharge in May, 1916, a pension under the Royal Warrant of 1915, of 6s. 3d. a week for six months with 9d. a week for each of three children. At the end of this period, as he was earning over 25s. a week, he was not eligible for pension under the Royal Warrant of 1915, and he was therefore given a pension of 1s. a day for twelve months under the Royal Warrant of 1st December, 1914, which contains no provision for the award of additional allowances for children. When Mr. Johnstone's case next came up for consideration in November, 1917, he was given a pension and children's allowances under the Royal Warrant of 1917, with arrears from 4th April, 1917, the date on which that Warrant came into force, and therefore the earliest date as from which allowances could be paid to him.

Mr. C. WASON

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether the Civil Liabilities Commission has received an application from a lady in Lerwick whose husband is fighting in France showing that, after payment of rates, taxes, and rent, she has only 9s. a week to keep herself and two girls of school age; and if, under the circumstances set forth, the Commission will take into consideration the best method of affording adequate relief?

Mr. HAYES FISHER

I am afraid I am unable to identify the case from the information stated in the question, but if the hon. Member will furnish me with particulars I shall be glad to make inquiries and to communicate with him regarding it.