Mr. W. Joseph Stewartasked the Secretary of State for War whether he will make clear the position of reserve officers suddenly called up in regard to the continued payment of rent for flats and houses?
§ Mr. Hore-Belisha:Reserve officers are protected in regard to payment of rent in the same way and to the same extent as other members of the public by the provisions of the Courts (Emergency Powers) Act, 1939, and the Rent and Mortgage Interest Restrictions Act, 1939.
In addition, there is access to the Military Service (Special Allowances) Advisory Committee which is empowered to recommend financial assistance in cases where, by reason of his service, the applicant is unable to meet his liabilities, thereby sustaining hardship. The committee is empowered to take into account, in assessing need, rent among other civil liabilities.