§ 13. Mr. Dobbieasked the Secretary of State for War what procedure is followed in regard to the allotment paid to the wife of a member of the Armed Forces if such member has been guilty of desertion from his unit and, on return to his unit, has punishment meted out to him which extends for a period extending over 28 days?
21. Mr. McNeilasked the Secretary of State for War whether he will now consider revising the procedure under which, if a soldier is in detention for misdemeanour, his wife and children are also punished by the withdrawal of the qualifying allotment?
§ Captain MargessonWhen a soldier is subject to punishment involving forfeiture of pay, the payments to his dependants are continued in full for a period not exceeding 28 days. After this time any allotment from the soldier's pay ceases, but family allowance continues in issue so long as the soldier is not discharged or transferred to the reserve. When punishment follows on desertion, the period of 28 days is reckoned as including the period of desertion.
§ Mr. DobbieDo I understand that, when the 28 days are exceeded, the Government still pay the soldier's wife the allotment previously paid to her?
§ Captain MargessonI have given a very considered answer. I do not think I should be pressed without further notice.
§ Mr. DobbieIn view of the hardship which the soldier's wife and family suffer, would the right hon. and gallant Gentleman look further into the matter to see whether some amelioration cannot be arrived at?
§ Captain MargessonI will take into consideration what the hon. Member has said.