HC Deb 26 June 1916 vol 83 c535
89. Sir F. LOWE

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been drawn to a case in which a police magistrate on being asked by a soldier whose wife was serving a sentence for drunkenness whether he could draw the allowances, as he had four children to support, replied in the negative, and that the only thing to be done was to send the children to the workhouse; and will he say whether the allowances mentioned are granted in such cases?

The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the WAR OFFICE (Mr. Forster)

During the time a soldier's wife is in prison separation allowance for the children is issued at the higher rate applicable to motherless children, namely, 5s. per week for the child. The attention of the magistrate has been drawn to this rule.

Sir F. LOWE

Are we to understand that the magistrate was wrong?

Mr. FORSTER

Entirely wrong.

Sir F. LOWE

Has he been put right?

Mr. FORSTER

I hope so.