asked the Prime Minister whether the Departmental Committee which is considering separation and children's allowances, are also considering widows', orphans' and dependants' allowances; and when their report is likely to be available?

I have been asked to reply. The informal Inter-Departmental Committee was set up to examine only the question of the allowances payable in respect of the families of men serving with the Forces. My right hon. Friend hopes that it will be possible to make a statement on this matter at an early date.

Can the right hon. and gallant Gentleman say whether the Government do not think it equally important to review dependants' allowances as to review the separation allowances for women and children, and is he not aware that in many cases throughout the country dependants are virtually receiving nothing under the regulations?

That is quite another question. I think the Chancellor of the Exchequer answered it yesterday.

Does the right hon. Gentleman not think that the dependants' allowances as such which vary so vitally from the dependants' allowances in the last war ought to be increased?

Miss Ward:

When the decision has been arrived at for an increase of allowances, can my right hon. and gallant Friend say whether that decision will be retrospective?

I cannot make any statement about that.