HC Deb 23 July 1919 vol 118 cc1386-7W
Mr. W. GRAHAM

asked the Minister of Labour whether lie has received a copy of a resolution passed by a mass meeting of discharged disabled men at present undergoing training for new occupations in the various schemes of the Ministry in force in Edinburgh, pointing out that the new rates of maintenance and training allowances are vague and inadequate; whether he will state the terms of the new rates in question, and how they compares with those formerly in operation; and what steps he proposes to take to secure maintenance and training allowances which will be sufficient in view of the present high cost of living?

Sir R. HORNE

I have not seen a copy of the resolution referred to. Disabled men eligible for training under the Royal Pensions Warrant may receive either the Warrant rates of allowance or the Ministry of Labour rates, whichever they prefer. The Warrant rates are an allowance of 33s. per week in lieu of pension, plus 8s. a week for the first child under sixteen, 6s. per week for a second child, and 5s. a week, for each successive child. The Ministry of Labour rates are 33s. per week plus 6s. per week for the first child under fifteen, and 3s. per week for each additional child, to which falls to be added the amount of the man's pension rights. Under each scale additional allowances are payable to men living away from home and apart from their dependants; the terms are slightly more favourable under the Ministry of Labour scale. Travelling allowances are also payable under both scales subject to certain conditions. In general, the Ministry of Labour scale is more favourable for ox-privates, especially for those with a high degree of disability. The Warrant rates are more favourable to ex-non-commissioned officers. I am considering, in conjunction with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Pensions, the question of an adjustment in the amounts given as allowances to trainees.