HC Deb 12 June 1868 vol 192 cc1475-6
MR. DILLWYN

said, he wished to ask the Secretary to the Poor Law Board, Whether his attention has been called to the frequency of men belonging to the Militia leaving their wives and families un provided for during the time of training, and thus becoming chargeable to their respective parishes; and if so, whether there is any means by which a portion of their pay could not be drawn for the maintenance of their wives and families?

SIR MICHAEL HICKS-BEACH

said, in reply, that unfortunately the bounty and allowances were often squandered by the men who received them; but it was difficult to see how they could be prevented from doing so if they chose. It could not be denied that there was room for improvement in the present arrangements for drawing the pay; but it was rather for the War Office than for the Poor Law Board to provide a remedy.