§ Mr. Woodburnasked the Secretary of State for War whether, in the scales of allowances at present under review for children, there will be consultation with medical authorities as to the minimum sustenance for the maintenance and development of good health; and whether he can assure this House that the allowances will not fall below such a standard?
§ Sir V. WarrenderThe new rates of allowances for children of men of the Forces were announced in the House on Tuesday. Family and children's allowances are granted to assist the sailor, 843W soldier or airman to maintain and accommodate his family. They do not purport to represent the actual cost of maintenance. In these circumstances, the question of consultation with medical authorities did not arise.
In any case of serious hardship, where owing to special circumstances the normal allowances are found to be inadequate, an application can be made for special assistance which will be considered by the Military Service (Special Allowances) Advisory Committee.