asked the Minister for Defence whether a dependent's allowance has yet been paid to Mr. Patrick Finn, of Tower View, River Street, Ballinasloe, on account of his sons, Pte. William Finn (No. 10,537), Union Barracks, Westport, and Pte. Michael Finn (No. 11,470), Union Barracks, Bantry, both of whom joined the Army over twelve months ago; and if allowance is not yet paid will he see that the claim is expedited.
[WRITTEN ANSWERS.] - DEPENDENT'S ALLOWANCES.
The claims of Mr. Finn were disallowed after due investigation, on the ground that the extent of dependence as ascertained in each case, namely, about 5s. per week, was less than the minimum specified by the regulations, that is, 12s. per week, before an allowance may be issued.
It should be stated that the regulations governing the matter are based on the recognition of an obligation on the part of an unmarried soldier to contribute to the support of his dependents a reasonable portion of his Army pay, this portion being calculated as 8s. per week in the case of a soldier receiving ordinary rate of pay.