§ 44. Mr. Silkinasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that in cases where a soldier is awarded field punishment he forfeits not only his own pay but his allotment to his wife, often imposing serious hardship on the wife and family; and whether he will give consideration to any necessary alteration of the Army Regulations so as to prevent the suffering of innocent persons?
§ Sir V. WarrenderIn such cases, the normal family allowance continues to be issued to the wife. If the period of forfeiture of pay is less than eight clays, the amount of the allotment also continues to be paid to the wife and is subsequently recovered from the soldier. An extension of the eight-day limit is being considered.
§ Mr. SilkinIs the hon. Gentleman aware that there are a number of cases where a deduction has been made?
§ Sir V. WarrenderThe hon. Gentleman asks what the regulation is and I have given it.