17. Mr. ROBINSONasked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he will consider the desirability of making the marriage allowance payable to married ratings above the age of 21?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANThe present age limit rule was carefully considered when marriage allowance was instituted. It has been reviewed on many occasions since, and I am not prepared to recommend any alteration.
§ Mr. T. WILLIAMSWill the right hon. Gentleman give the House the benefit of the investigations as to why they limit the age above 21?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANI should have to look up the report of the Committee, but I will endeavour to do so.
§ Mr. HORE-BELISHAIs it not a fact that they can get this marriage allowance at 25?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANYes, the age is 25 in the Navy.