§ 39. Mr. Manderasked the Secretary of State for War, whether he will consider the advisability of making arrangements for a compulsory allotment from officers' pay in cases where there is deliberate refusal to provide any maintenance for wives; and what the practice in such circumstances is at the present time?
§ Sir E. GriggThe answer to the first part of the Question is in the negative. Apart from other considerations, such an arrangement would involve an amendment of the Army Act. With regard to the second part, the wife may apply to the civil courts for redress.
§ Mr. ManderDoes not the hon. Gentleman think that it is extraordinarily unfair to the wives of officers to have no opportunity of getting any allowances in a way that does not take place with regard to other ranks; and in view of the many difficult cases that have arisen, will he give further consideration to the matter?
§ Sir E. GriggYes, Sir.
§ Miss Eleanor RathboneIs this not a question of a very offensive form of class distinction that officers, who are classed as saints, should not be compelled to make an allotment?