HC Deb 22 June 1943 vol 390 cc984-5
22. Lady Apsley

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that allowances to officers' wives are paid to the husband, who can, and sometimes does, refuse to make any payment to the wife, who is thus left penniless; and whether he will investigate the working of this system with a view to a change in procedure?

Mr. A. Henderson

I would refer the noble Lady to answers given to my hon. Friends the Members for Harrow (Mr. Norman Bower) and Bassetlaw (Mr. Bellenger) on 21st October, 1942, and 16th February, 1943, of which I am sending her copies.

Miss Rathbone

May I ask my hon., gallant and learned Friend whether this differentiation between officers and privates is not a survival from the last war and is not based on the theory that an officer is sure to be a good husband while a private is not so sure? Will he not have this antiquated procedure reconsidered?

Mr. Henderson

There are many administrative difficulties in the way of changing the present rule, so far as officers serving to-day are concerned, but it may interest the House to know that officers commissioned hereafter will be entitled to agree to this family lodging allowance being paid direct to their wives.