§ 39. Mr. Pilkingtonasked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether consideration can be given to lowering the age at which marriage allowances are given to airmen?
§ Lieut.-Colonel MuirheadThe age at which marriage allowance becomes payable in the Air Force is fixed by regard to the same considerations as those which apply to the Army, and I would refer the hon. Member to the answer to a similar question which he addressed yesterday to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for War.
§ Mr. PilkingtonIn view of the fact that a far greater proportion of the Air Force is stationed at home than is the case with the Army, does not my hon. and gallant Friend think that this is an unnecessary hardship for airmen, and will he not consider lowering the age to the same limit that is in force in the Navy?
§ Mr. Grant-FerrisWill the Under-Secretary consider the desirability of reducing from 30 to 28 the marriage allowance age for officers?
§ Lieut.-Colonel MuirheadThat is a rather different question. With regard to the first supplementary question, I do not think that my Noble Friend has any immediate intention of making any alteration.
§ Mr. PalingIn view of the consideration that is now being given to the question of the low birth rate, may I ask whether the Ministry of Health have approached the hon. and gallant Gentleman's Department with a view to discussing this question of the handicap to earlier marriages?
§ Lieut.-Colonel MuirheadI do not think there has been any direct or specific negotiation.
§ Mr. ManderIs the Air Force intended for celibates only, like the Army?