§ Captain Profumoasked the Minister of Pensions, to what extent the granting of proficiency pay to His Majesty's Forces results in a corresponding deduction in the dependant's hardship allowance; and will he consider recommending an alteration in this system which, at present, tends to discourage progress and proficiency in the ranks?
§ Sir W. WomersleyIn the calculation of war service grants the proportion of his proficiency pay which a soldier is expected to contribute for the benefit of his wife and family is governed by the provisions of Command Paper 6318. Until his pay exceeds 4s. a day he is assumed to contribute no more than the standard allotment required for purposes of family allowance. I have no ground for thinking that the existing regulations have the effect which the hon. and gallant Member suggests, and I am not prepared to recommend any alteration.