§ 51. Mr. WHITELEYasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that married soldiers under 26 years of age, serving overseas, receive no marriage allowance; and whether he will have inquiries made, with a view to all married soldiers serving overseas being granted a marriage allowance and avoiding their wives having to apply to public assistance committees for out-door relief?
§ The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the WAR OFFICE (Sir Victor Warrender)The age qualification for the grant of marriage allowance is 26 years, whether the soldier is serving at home or abroad. My right hon. Friend is aware of the considerations urged in regard to this matter, but is not prepared to reduce the age limit, which was decided upon after the most careful consideration of the requirements of the three Service Departments. I would point out that the enlistment of married men under the the age of 26 years is forbidden, and unmarried soldiers are fully aware that if they marry below the requisite age they will not receive marriage allowance.
§ Mr. WHITELEYIs the hon. Gentleman prepared to issue instructions that 30 nobody will be entitled to enter the Army until he is 26 in order that he can get the full benefits?
§ Mr. SHINWELLIs it a good thing that the wives of soldiers should have to apply to the public assistance committees for help?
§ Sir V. WARRENDERIt is also not a particularly good thing that all our young soldiers should be married men.