§ MR. JOYCEI beg to ask the Secretary of State for War if he will take the case of the wife and children of George Powell, R.A., No, 82,930, into his consideration, seeing that this man has over ten years good service, never had a crime, that he married without leave in 1893, and that his wife lived with him in Woolwich until he was sent to South Africa, leaving his wife with three children at home with a very small sum allotted to them from his pay, quite insufficient to keep them; and, whether, if on inquiry this woman's statement is found to be correct, he will order such increase in the pay as will keep herself and her children.
LORD STANLEYIf this soldier would have been entitled to transfer to the Reserve had no war taken place, his wife can be given separation allowance; but no separation allowance can be given to the wives of men married without leave who are not on the strength of the regiment.
§ MR. JOYCEWill the noble Lord inquire if this man's commanding officer did not promise that his wife should be placed on the strength of the regiment? Will he increase the grant to her?
LORD STANLEYIf there is any question of hard treatment in the matter I shall be most happy to take it into consideration.