HC Deb 10 July 1917 vol 95 cc1714-5
18. Colonel LESLIE WILSON

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he will take into consideration the fact that the daily rate of a soldier's pay would in many cases admit of a larger amount being deducted towards a maintenance order for a wife or child or bastard child; and whether he will amend Section 145 (2) (b) of the Army Act so as to enable the rate to be deducted to be in proportion to the amount of daily pay received and not only in accordance with the rank of the soldier?

Mr. MACPHERSON

I am afraid my hon. and gallant Friend's suggestion is not practicable at the present time.

Colonel WILSON

Does my hon. Friend consider that where a private soldier is in receipt of, say, 3s. a day, it is sufficient for him to be marked at only 3s. 6d. per week for the support of a wife, a woman whom he has deserted, or at 2s. 4d. for the support of a bastard child?

Mr. MACPHERSON

I cannot argue with my hon. Friend as to the merits of the case, but I would point out to him that to carry out his suggestion would require an amendment of the Army Act.

Mr. KING

As the Army Act is being amended now once or twice a year, will this matter be considered when the next Army (Annual) Act (Amendment) Bill comes in?

Mr. MACPHERSON

I believe it is considered every time: my hon. Friend sees to that.