HC Deb 16 March 1944 vol 398 c412W
Sir C. Edwards

asked the Secretary of State for War what complaints he has received from men serving in the Middle East about the high cost of living and the need for an increased allowance based on this principle; and whether, as the £ sterling is only worth 14s. compared with pre-war and the 4d. per day allowance is therefore inadequate to meet the extra cost, he will consider increasing this.

Mr. A. Henderson

The allowance to which my right hon. Friend refers was intended to enable a soldier to make the necessary purchases from his pay in the Middle East to the same extent as he can in this country. I have no evidence that the 4d. a day granted to rank and file in the Middle East is inadequate for this purpose.