Major HENDERSONasked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that Mr. J. Cleary, 96, Blackburn Street, Glasgow, S.S., applied on demobilisation to the Civil Liabilities Commissioners for a grant to purchase furniture, which was refused; whether he is aware that this man joined in August, 1914, when no 900W separation allowances were paid, and therefore sent his wife and four children to Ireland, where living was cheaper; and whether, under those circumstances, that this man is not entitled to some financial assistance, seeing that he is unable to purchase furniture sufficient for his household out of his present weekly wages?
§ Sir R. HORNEAt the time when the decision was given on Mr. Cleary's application, I was without power to give assistance to purchase furniture after demobilisation or discharge. Sanction has recently been obtained to make lump sum grants for the purchase of domestic furniture in certain circumstances where the sale of previously owned furniture was occasioned by serious financial hardship during the applicant's period of service. I am causing further inquiry to be made into Mr. Cleary's case, with a view to ascertaining whether a grant can be made to him by virtue of the amended Regulations, and I will communicate the result to my hon. and gallant Friend.