Post-War Credits (Armed Forces).

Oral Answers to Questions — National Finance. – in the House of Commons at on 24 February 1942.

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Photo of Sir James Henderson-Stewart Sir James Henderson-Stewart , Fife Eastern

asked the Prime Minister whether, in order to recognise the public spirit of those men and women who volunteered for service with the Armed Forces at the outbreak and during the early months of the war, and thus sacrificed the many advantages enjoyed by civilian workers, he will consider making the post-war credits scheme, recently announced, retrospective, so that in each case the 6d. per day will be credited to the individual from the date of his or her enlistment?

Photo of Mr Clement Attlee Mr Clement Attlee , Stepney Limehouse

No, Sir. The Service credits run from the beginning of 1942, which is the time at which weekly wage-earners begin to pay the Income Tax of which a proportion will be made available to them as post-war credits.

Mr. Stewart:

Does not the Minister appreciate the unfairness of the position as between men who volunteered in September, 1939, and gave up their good wages and those who have not volunteered yet who are called up? Cannot something be done to remedy the injustice of that position?

Photo of Mr Clement Attlee Mr Clement Attlee , Stepney Limehouse

The present arrangements with regard to Income Tax are in step with the Service position.

Major Vyvyan Adams:

Is not the Minister aware that, in comparison with the rewards enjoyed by workers in industry, the recent increases to the lower ranks of the Services and the junior officers are entirely inadequate?