HC Deb 04 April 1921 vol 140 c32W
Mr. GLANVILLE

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the Army Council has amended the regulations governing the issue of children's allowances so as to provide that it is not paid beyond the end of the school term in which the child attains the age of 14 years; whether this alteration of the conditions of service obtained the consent of the soldier in each case; and whether he will recommend the issue of the allowance in respect of such children as have been able to obtain county scholarships involving remaining at school beyond the age of 14 years?

Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANS

The hon. Member is no doubt comparing the conditions governing the issue of separation allowance during the War with those affecting the issue of the new marriage allowance. The conditions governing the latter issue received the fullest possible consideration before adoption, and it was decided that allowances for children should be issuable only up to the age prescribed for compulsory full time attendance at school, namely, 14 years of age. I regret that no exception to these rules can now be made. I would add that in the case of those who had reserve rights to continue in receipt of separation allowance, the allowance is issuable for children under the old regulations; but the soldier would, of course, draw the old rates of pay.