§ 15. Mr. Emrys Hughesasked the Secretary of State for War in view of his decision on the recruiting of married men for the Army, to what extent he proposes to release from the forces married men who are unable to get satisfactory married quarters.
§ Mr. ProfumoThe grounds for compassionate discharge have long been based on an individual's domestic difficulties. As I explained in the debate on the Army Reserve Act, I can see no reason for treating married men differently from single soldiers in this matter.
§ Mr. HughesIs not this very unfair to the married men in the British Army of the Rhine, for example, many of whom are living in bad, overcrowded 1289 and disgusting conditions? Is the Minister aware that many of them are becoming Communist, and will he discharge them?
§ Mr. ProfumoI am certainly not aware that these men are becoming Communist. I do not believe that there is any foundation in what the hon. Gentleman says. If he has any foundation for what he is saying I think that he had better produce the facts for me. I am aware of the difficulties regarding married quarters abroad at a time when more soldiers than ever before are entitled to them. But we are making considerable progress and today conditions for married soldiers are infinitely better than ever before.