§ 1. Mr. HUNTasked the Secretary to the Admiralty whether, in view of the fact that prize money for the men in the Navy has been done away with, he can say in what way the wives of sailors during the War will have made up to them the same weekly allowance as is now allowed to soldiers both on and off the married strength?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the ADMIRALTY (Dr. Macnamara)I cannot accept the suggestion of the hon. Member that the new Regulations as to prize money will be disadvantageous to the men of the Navy. As a matter of fact, the proposed change aims at benefiting 551 a larger number of men than the old system under which only those who shared in captures received any of the proceeds. The question of granting a separation allowance to the wives of seamen is under consideration.
§ Mr. HUNTWill the right hon. Gentleman make a statement to the effect that the wives and families of sailors will not be allowed to suffer?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAI have just said that the question of granting separation allowances to the wives of seamen is under consideration.
§ Mr. HUNTWill the right hon. Gentleman state that the Government will see that the wives and families of sailors fighting for their country will not suffer from want? Is he aware that considerations on this point are one of the difficulties in the way of recruiting?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAWhen the House last met I went in very close detail into the exact position of the matter. It is being very carefully considered, and the House will not expect me to carry it any further now.