§ Lieut.-Commander Fletcherasked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether, in the event of the mobilisation of the Defence Forces for active service in war time, the rate of separation allowances for the wives of members of the forces would be the same as those laid down in January, 1919, or if it is 403W proposed to increase those allowances in view of the great increase in house rents since 1919?
§ Captain WallaceThe rate of family allowance to be issued in the event of mobilisation of the Defence Forces would be decided by the Government of the day in the light of circumstances then obtaining.
§ Mr. Kirbyasked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether, in view of the urgent need for recruits in the three fighting services and the need to encourage such recruitment, he will consider introducing legislation whereby the parents or other dependants of unmarried recruits may be paid suitable allowances to prevent their recourse to public assistance during the service of the men concerned?
§ Captain WallaceFacilities are already available under which men of the three Defence Services can make allotments from their pay to parents or dependants. The proposal of the hon. Member would involve heavy additional expenditure which I do not consider would be justified.