§ MR. SEXTONasked the Secretary of State for War, In how many cases last year the Secretary of State for War made orders, in virtue of sub-section 2, section 145, of the Army Act, 1881, to devote a portion of the pay of a noncommissioned officer or soldier of the Regular Forces towards the maintenance of his wife or child; what was the total amount paid out under those orders during the year; and, what was the total amount paid out under similar orders in each year since 1873?
THE MARQUESS OF HARTINGTONUnder the sub-section referred to 840 orders were made last year by the Secretary of State for stoppages of pay towards the maintenance of wives and children of soldiers. These were exclusive of stoppages voluntarily submitted to and made by order of officers commanding regiments. The total amount paid under these orders cannot be stated without reference to all regiments and corps at home and abroad, as the transaction takes place between the regiment and the woman concerned.