§ 57. Mr. DUNCAN MILLARasked the Under-Secretary for War if he will state on what grounds children adopted before the War and living in family with, and supported by, men who have now joined the Colours, are excluded from receipt of any allowance; and whether he will take steps to have their case dealt with so as to secure for them the same allowance that is made for other children?
Mr. BAKERThe ground of the existing regulations, which have been in existence for a long time, was presumably that the State had performed its duty if it supported the soldier and his proper family, but the question is now under review.
§ Mr. MILLARCannot the hon. Gentleman take into account the fact that many of the men who have enlisted have done so on the distinct understanding that their adopted children would be cared for, and does he not agree that the matter is one which requires careful consideration?
Mr. BAKERI do not know how the understanding could have arisen in view of the existing regulation; but, as I said, the question is being considered.