Oral Answers to Questions — National Finance – in the House of Commons am 12:00 am ar 28 Ionawr 1947.
Mr Frederick Bellenger
, Bassetlaw
With the permission of the House, I will answer Questions Nos. 119, 123 and 124.
It has been decided that married soldiers under 21 years of age shall be eligible for marriage allowance at the same rates and under the same conditions as men over that age, but that they will not be entitled to any other married benefits such as provision of quarters or passages to overseas stations. The decision will apply equally to the Royal Navy and the Royal Air Force, and will take effect from 1st February, 1947. Payment will begin as soon as the necessary arrangements can be made. The question of the application of this arrangement to men called up for compulsory service from 1st January, 1949, is under consideration.
Mr Daniel Lipson
, Cheltenham
While thanking the Minister for the concession which he has announced, may I ask him whether his answer means that payment will be made retrospective, in view of the fact that the families of some of these men have had to incur debts?
Mr Frederick Bellenger
, Bassetlaw
No, Sir. I said that payments would start from 1st February, 1947. I think I should dispose of the point which has been put by the hon. Member, and by other Members, on more than one occasion. So far as my information goes, there has been no wide incurring of debt by these soldiers.
Mr Frederick Bellenger
, Bassetlaw
I ought to say, and I hope it will not embarrass him, that some of the credit is also due to my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the exchequer.
Mr Winston Churchill
, Woodford
Can the right hon. Gentleman say what is the estimated expense of this concession?
Mr Frederick Bellenger
, Bassetlaw
I have not the exact figure, but because war service grants, by which many of these men get an allowance, will cease, I think it will balance out fairly evenly.
Sir Martin Lindsay
, Solihull
Will the right hon. Gentleman take steps to remedy the anomalous position of married officers under 25?
Mr Frederick Bellenger
, Bassetlaw
It is not proposed to abolish the present age limit of 25 for officers, but the existing provisions for them are now under consideration.
Mr George Chetwynd
, Stockton-on-Tees
Is it quite clear that this applies to soldiers who are Regulars? As officers are, presumably, soldiers, would not this provision apply to them as well if they were married between 18 and 21?
Mr Frederick Bellenger
, Bassetlaw
It applies to all soldiers, Regular or otherwise, but in the terminology of the War Office officers are not soldiers.
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