Mr. Craik Henderson:

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether it is proposed to amend the dependants' allowance regulations so that, in all cases where the dependant's net income is less than 25s. per week, it shall be made up to that amount?

No, Sir. My hon. Friend's suggestion would not be consistent with the purpose of dependants' allowance, which is to assist a man in maintaining the contribution which he made towards the support of a dependant before joining the Forces.

Mr. Henderson:

Is my right hon. and gallant Friend aware that there is a considerable amount of dissatisfaction over the fact that where a dependant may be getting 12s. or 15s. a week, he receives no allowance at all? If below that, it is made up to that figure at least.

Dependants' allowance is related to the amount of the prewar contribution and is issuable at four fixed rates—13s., 18s., 21s. 6d. and 25s. a week. The airman is required, as a condition of the issue of dependants' allowance, to make a contributory allotment, which varies according to his pay.