HC Deb 28 September 1939 vol 351 cc1514-5W
Mr. Trevor Cox

asked the Secretary of State for War whether any special arrangements have been made to cover cases where reservist soldiers recently called up are unable to pay the interest on their house mortgages?

Mr. Hore-Belisha

Reservists are protected in regard to mortgage interest 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, as has already been announced in the Press, there is the right of 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, mortgage interest among other civil liabilities.

Mr. Trevor Cox

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will explain the position of reservist soldiers now called to the Colours who are unable to pay the interest on life insurances?

Mr. Hore-Belisha

Reservists who were called to the Colours under the Reserve and Auxiliary Forces Act, 1939, before general mobilization, were given a certain measure of protection by the Order in Council dated 23rd June, 1939, in the event of non-payment of life insurance premiums at the due date owing to their having been called up for service. This protection amounted broadly to an extended time for payment without interest accruing on arrears. The protection covered the period of service under the Act and a limited time afterwards.

Service under the Act terminated with general mobilisation. A reservist called up on general mobilisation, or a reservist previously called up under the Act when his period of grace under the Order in Council expires, is in the same position as regards insurances as any other member of the public. No special protection is given under the War Emergency legislation in regard to life insurances. The reservist, however, has the right of access to the Military Service (Special Allowances) Advisory Committee, which may take life insurance into account among other civil liabilities in considering any claim for special financial assistance on grounds of hardship.