HC Deb 14 March 1940 vol 358 cc1363-4
51. Mr. Lipson

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that the Essex War Emergency Committee have authorised a reduction to 10s. in the total fee in respect of the marriage of a member of His Majesty's Forces below commissioned rank; and whether he will recommend this example to the authorities in other counties and in county boroughs?

Mr. Elliot

Circulars have recently been addressed by the Registrar-General to county and county borough councils inviting them to authorise a reduction in suitable cases of the fees for the civil marriage by licence of members of His Majesty's Forces below commissioned rank, where the fees are receivable by salaried registration officers on behalf of the council. A corresponding reduction has been suggested by the Registrar-General to registration officers who are directly remunerated by fees. On the evidence so far available both councils and registration officers are responding readily to these proposals.