22. Mr. DAVID ADAMSasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware of the fact that the public assistance committee of the Durham County Council are being compelled to grant out relief to wives of soldiers under the age of 26 years serving with the colours, by reason of the fact that the Government do not grant any marriage allowance to these women; and whether he will take steps to have this state of affairs rectified?
Mr. COOPERI would refer the hon. Member to the answer given yesterday to a similar question by the hon. Member for Blaydon (Mr. Whiteley).
§ Mr. SHINWELLIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that that answer was unsatisfactory, and does he endorse the policy of sending the wives of soldiers to the public assistance committees for relief?
§ Mr. SHINWELLDoes the right hon. Gentleman endorse the policy, and, if not, will he take steps to change it?
Mr. DAVID ADAMSDoes the right hon. Gentleman consider that it adds to the popularity of the Army that the wives of soldiers under 26 should have to go to the public assistance committees when their husbands are oversea.
Mr. COOPERThe policy of the Army is at present to discourage young soldiers from marrying under the age of 26. [HON. MEMBERS: "Why?"] It is quite possible to change that policy, but that has been the policy which has been followed for many years. It would not be correct to explain now the reasons for it.