FAMILY ALLOWANCES

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXI, 21 June 1926, Page 7

FAMILY ALLOWANCES

HOW THE SYSTEM WORKS IN FRANCE One of the most unexpected recommendations of the Coal Commission was that the Commissioners regarded the introduction of a system of childrens’ allowances, irrespective of the level of wages, as “one of the most, valuable measures that could be adopted for adding to the well-being and contentment of the mining population.” It will be remembered that evidence was submitted to the Commission by Miss Eleanor Rathb.one, showing that family allowances were practically universal throughout 'the mining industry of those countries which compete most actively with cur own . It is, however, sitll not generally realised that France is tire pioneer of the system of putting family allowances into force on an established scale. In France the family has always been recognised as the unit of the nation, and for over 30 years past experiments have been made in order that fathers mav be able to bring up their families oil an income that increases in proportion to the number of children. The system started at the end of the last century on certain of tlio French Railways, notably tile Nnrd. the Orleans, and the P.L.M., who gave small bonuses' for dependents. In 1900 the system spread to the coalfields. At the present time the State has applied the principle, not only in the fighting services, but for married members of its manual' and clerical staff. The officials of local government authorities are also paid on the system that they slipuld receive a weekly income that varies according to their output. Private industry adopted the principle during the war so decisively that family allowances have now become part of wages awards. It is of special note that since December, 1922. all employers tendering for State contracts are required cither to be members contributing to a family allowance fund or else paving allowances direct . Complete official figures as to the number receiving allowances are not available . The figures announced at a congress last year are, however, of significance, for it was then stated that there were in Franco no less than three and a-half million employees who receive each year 1,017,000,000 francs on family allowances . The system has spread to professional men, and there are funds in existence for solicitors’ clerks and similar persons. Funds have also been established for agricultural workers. The rates fur State workers as voted last year were 45, 60, 90 francs a month respectively, for. one to three children. For the. fourth and succeeding children 105 francs were payable monthly. Unler the Lille Family Allowance Fund 50 francs tire given for two children, 180 for four, and 390 francs for tight. A rubber company pays 76 francs, for each of t.ho first two children, and as'much as 1,020 francs a month for 12, if they are under 16 years of ago. The average amounts of payments paid to- underground, workers with families were one franc a clay for c-ne child, and two for the third and each succeeding child, but these allowances have since been increased to meet the fall in the franc. There are several reasons that have led to this system becoming established in French industries. One cause, no doubt, is the wish to encourage the birth rate and to increase the welfare of young children. Employers, however, have found that contented married men are more regular at their work and pay more attention to output than those who have no lies, and that it is a wise provision to pay this addition, which helps production and encourages a satislied staff.—Observer.